Philadelphia 76ers point forward Ben Simmons is one of the best perimeter defenders in the entire NBA. The Sixers star has even been named a finalist for the 2020-21 season's Defensive Player of the Year award.

But TNT analyst Kenny Smith doesn't think the Sixers star is up to the task of defending Washington Wizards stars Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal. His reason? Ben Simmons is too tall.

“Ben Simmons, I don't think can play on the perimeter consistently with either [Beal or Westbrook],” TNT's Kenny Smith said Thursday night. “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.”

Ben Simmons' true height is often listed at either 6'10” or 6'11”. But honestly, that aspect should be irrelevant. If anything, it's the Sixers defender's size that helps him become so effective at stopping opposing stars. Simmons is just as agile as most wing defenders, while having the bulk and length to keep up with bigger assignments.

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Nonetheless, the Sixers will have their handful with both Beal and Westbrook. They've been a terrific one-two punch for the Wizards this season. But the Sixers certainly won't mind having Simmons defend either of them. Having Joel Embiid manning the middle isn't a bad insurance policy, either.

Shaquille O'Neal chimed in after Kenny's controversial take, claiming that both star guards need to go off for the Wizards to have any chance to beat the 76ers.

“[Westbrook and Beal] have to play out of their minds,” O'Neal said. “No games off, value every possession, high scoring games to have a chance. If one or two of those guys go off, they have a chance. Not saying they could win, but if they go off they have a shot.”

Wizards-Sixers Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday night.