The star of the Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons is one of the best defenders in the NBA. However, former NBA champion and current analyst Kenny Smith has a different opinion regarding this matter.
Simmons and the Sixers are set to face the Washington Wizards in the first round of the playoffs. He will have to guard Russell Westbrook in this matchup.
When asked about why Ben Simmons can’t defend Westbrook, Kenny Smith answered: “Ben Simmons, I don’t think can play on the perimeter consistently with either [Beal or Westbrook]. I was a decent scorer, but if a guy at 6-11 tried to guard me I would feel I had the advantage.
“I don’t care if Dennis Rodman switched out on me, I got him. He’s too big to move his feet on a consistent basis all game. For a play, for a couple of plays, but if he picked me up full court like he’s gotta do with Russell Westbrook and Beal, impossible. Those two guys are too crafty, too good, too athletic [for Simmons] to do that.”
