Much has been made of Ben Simmons' Defensive Player of the Year candidacy this season. The 24-year-old has had a tremendous campaign for the Sixers this term and it has the plaudits taking notice — including Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks.
Brooks and his Wizards experienced Simmons' defensive prowess first-hand as the Sixers took out Washington in the first round. Based on what he saw, Brooks firmly believes that Simmons should bag this year's DPOY title:
“I don't know if he's gonna get Defensive Player of the Year, but I think he's Defensive Player of the Year,” Brooks said following Washington's Game 5 loss against the Sixers on Wednesday night, via Justin Grasso of FanNation. “Not too many guys can guard one through five. He can guard one through five. There are some guys that can guard one position and do it well, but there is only a handful of guys that can do it like he does.”
Fair point from coach Brooks here. He should also be considered as an authority in this matter considering the amount of film he studied in preparation for the Sixers series. Simmons has been an absolute beast on the defensive end this year, and this has had a significant impact on Philly's success.
Utah Jazz fans will not agree with coach Brooks here, though. Rudy Gobert has been on quite a tear this season as well, and the Jazz big man remains to be the favorite to win his third Defensive Player of the Year award. Sorry, Ben.
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