Alright, let me set the stage for ya—picture this: we're talkin' defense in the NBA, and it's a big deal. The Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award is like the crown jewel for those who lock down opponents and make life miserable on the court. So, when 3-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons steps up to the mic and drops his pick, people start paying attention. And guess what? It ain't Bam Adebayo or Rudy Gobert. Yeah, you heard me right.

Simmons, a guy who knows a thing or two about defense—scratch that, he knows A LOT about defense—has been vocal about his take on who deserves the DPOY nod this year. Now, before we dive deep into his choice, let's talk about why this matters. Defense wins championships, right? But more importantly, it shapes the identity of a team. So, when Simmons speaks, it's like hearing from a guy who’s been in the trenches, putting in the work night after night.

This ain't just some random opinion; this is coming from a guy who's been in the league, seen it all, and lived it. Simmons has faced some of the best offensive players in the league and knows what it takes to shut them down. And trust me, his perspective is worth hearing out. So, buckle up, because we’re about to break it all down for ya.

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Who’s Ben Simmons, Anyway?

Before we get into Simmons’ pick, let’s rewind a bit and give you the lowdown on who Ben Simmons is. Born in Melbourne, Australia, on July 20, 1996, Simmons is a 6-foot-10 point guard with a skill set that defies logic. He’s got the size of a forward, the vision of a point guard, and the defensive prowess of, well, a guy who could be in the running for DPOY himself.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his career so far:

3-time NBA All-Star (2018-2020)
2018 NBA Rookie of the Year
2-time All-NBA Defensive Team
Average stats: 16.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists per game

Simmons’ defensive skills are what make him stand out. He’s got that rare combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ that allows him to guard multiple positions. And when a guy like this talks about defense, you better believe it’s coming from a place of authority.

Ben Simmons’ Stats at a Glance

Category	Stat
Height	6'10"
Weight	240 lbs
Position	Point Guard
Years in NBA	6 seasons
Teams Played For	Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets

What Makes a Great Defensive Player?

Now, let’s talk about what it takes to be considered a great defensive player in the NBA. It’s not just about blocking shots or grabbing steals; it’s about being a disruptor, a guy who can change the flow of the game. A great defensive player can guard multiple positions, anticipate plays, and make life tough for the opposition. And when you’re talking about DPOY, you’re talking about the best of the best.

According to Simmons, the key attributes of a great defensive player include:

Length and athleticism
Defensive IQ
Consistency in performance
Ability to guard multiple positions

These are the things that Simmons looks for when evaluating a player’s defensive abilities. And trust me, he knows what he’s talking about.

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Why Not Bam Adebayo or Rudy Gobert?

Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room. Bam Adebayo and Rudy Gobert are two of the most dominant defensive forces in the league. Adebayo’s versatility and Gobert’s rim protection are legendary. So, why isn’t Simmons picking either of them?

Simmons explained that while both players are exceptional, there’s another guy who’s flying under the radar. And that’s where his pick gets interesting. Simmons believes that there’s a player out there who’s been putting in the work, locking down opponents, and making a bigger impact on the defensive end than people realize.

It’s not about disrespecting Adebayo or Gobert; it’s about recognizing someone else’s contributions. And Simmons is all about shining a light on those who might not get the recognition they deserve.

Simmons’ Pick: Meet the Underdog

So, who’s the lucky guy? Drumroll, please… Simmons’ pick for DPOY is none other than Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics. Yes, you heard me right—Marcus Smart. Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, Smart? Really?” But hear me out.

Smart is known for his tenacity and hustle. He’s the guy who dives for loose balls, takes charges, and never backs down from a challenge. His defensive IQ is off the charts, and he’s been a key reason why the Celtics have been one of the top defensive teams in the league.

According to Simmons, Smart’s ability to guard multiple positions and his knack for disrupting plays make him a deserving candidate for DPOY. And if you look at the numbers, they back up Simmons’ claim. Smart averages 1.7 steals per game and has been a consistent presence on the defensive end.

The Stats Don’t Lie

Let’s break down the stats for Marcus Smart and see why Simmons’ pick makes sense:

Averages 1.7 steals per game
Defensive rating of 105.4 (top 10 in the league)
4.3 deflections per game
5.9 defensive rebounds per game

These numbers don’t just show that Smart is a solid defender; they show that he’s elite. And when you combine that with his leadership and energy, it’s easy to see why Simmons is a fan.

Smart’s Impact on the Celtics

Smart’s presence on the court has a ripple effect on his team. The Celtics are a much better defensive team when he’s on the floor. His ability to communicate, anticipate plays, and make life difficult for opposing guards is invaluable. And if you ask Simmons, that’s exactly what a DPOY should do.

Simmons explained, “Marcus brings that energy every single night. He’s not just about stats; he’s about making the right plays and helping his team win. That’s what defense is all about.”

The Competition for DPOY

Of course, there are other players in the running for DPOY. Guys like Mikal Bridges, Jaren Jackson Jr., and even Simmons himself have been mentioned as contenders. But Simmons believes that Smart’s contributions have been overlooked, and it’s time to give him the recognition he deserves.

Simmons pointed out that Smart’s impact goes beyond the box score. “He’s the guy who takes the toughest matchup every night. He’s the guy who sets the tone for his team. And he does it without complaining or looking for the spotlight.”

Why Smart Deserves the Nod

Here’s why Smart deserves to be in the conversation for DPOY:

He’s a two-way player who impacts the game on both ends
His leadership and energy are unmatched
He consistently guards the best players in the league
His stats and advanced metrics back up his defensive prowess

Simmons summed it up perfectly: “Marcus Smart is the heartbeat of the Boston Celtics. Without him, they wouldn’t be the team they are today.”

What This Means for the NBA

Simmons’ pick for DPOY is more than just a statement about Marcus Smart; it’s a statement about the importance of defense in today’s NBA. In a league that’s becoming increasingly offense-oriented, it’s refreshing to see someone like Simmons advocating for the defenders who make it all possible.

Defense is the backbone of any championship team, and recognizing players like Smart is crucial for the growth of the game. It sends a message to young players that defense matters just as much as offense, and that hard work and hustle can lead to success.

The Future of Defensive Players

With players like Smart, Bridges, and Jackson Jr. leading the charge, the future of defensive players in the NBA looks bright. These guys are redefining what it means to be a great defender, and they’re doing it in a way that’s both effective and inspiring.

Simmons believes that the NBA is moving in the right direction when it comes to valuing defense. “The league is starting to recognize the importance of defense, and that’s a good thing. Players like Marcus are setting the standard for what it means to be a great defender.”

Final Thoughts

Alright, let’s wrap this up. Ben Simmons’ pick for DPOY might come as a surprise to some, but if you look at the facts, it makes perfect sense. Marcus Smart is a guy who puts in the work every single night, and his contributions deserve recognition.

Defense is the backbone of any great team, and players like Smart are the ones who make it all possible. So, the next time you’re watching a game and see Smart diving for a loose ball or taking a charge, remember this: he’s doing it for the love of the game, and he’s doing it for his team.

So, what do you think? Do you agree with Simmons’ pick? Let us know in the comments below. And if you liked this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends. Who knows? Maybe we’ll start a conversation about the importance of defense in the NBA.