This isn't the first time Ben Simmons has spoken on Rudy Gobert's defense and expressed a belief that it's a bit overrated. Simmons not only views himself as the NBA's top defensive player this year, but he tossed some more shade in the direction of Gobert.

Via Marc Narducci of The Philadelphia Inquirer:

“No disrespect to Rudy at all, he is a great shot blocker, defender, but he’s not guarding one through five, he is guarding fives and probably big fours. He’s a great defender, but I don’t think he’s guarding one through fives, you can’t tell him to go guard Kawhi or Paul (George) or guard a point guard. He’s not doing that on a daily basis.”

While the point Ben Simmons is making is true in nature, that's not who Gobert is. He's the ultimate rim protector and a true center himself as the man in the middle. And for those who go into his paint and welcome a one-on-one battle, they are often left realizing they made a mistake.

Gobert won Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and again in 2019, and rightfully so. He's the best rim protector in the NBA and has been for years.

It could come down to your preference: do you prefer a rim protector who doesn't allow anything easy or would you rather have a perimeter defender around the arc? Simmons believes he's the best of both worlds and that makes him more valuable on that end of the court.

Ben Simmons has a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year this season. He has been rock solid for the 76ers on defense, and it's a big reason why Philly is currently the top seed in the East. It's probably best, though, to not go at Gobert's defense. He has proven his worth throughout the years more than enough.