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Boston Celtics: Who Covers Ben Simmons?

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 10: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 10, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 10: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 10, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics could have tough time deciding who will be covering Ben Simmons

The Boston Celtics are getting set to play the Philadelphia 76ers for the second time this season. We already know that they will not have to deal with Joel Embiid this time, but there is still one other player who is growing into one of the toughest matchups in the NBA. Ben Simmons is the model point forward, and he is dominating in his rookie season.

Simmons still struggles to shoot, but he has not let that hurt his impact. He is finding ways to score, he is a bully on the boards, and he is already an elite passer. Simmons instigates a lot for the Sixers, and causes problems for any team playing.

Simmons will be the number one priority for the Celtics defense, and the good news is that they multiple options to throw at him. Given his size, Al Horford could actually sneak a few matchups in, and Jayson Tatum could get some time against his fellow rookie. That being said, this should come down to Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, and deciding between those two is the kind of problem the Celtics want to have.

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If Simmons were somewhat normal size, then Smart would be the primary defender. He is the best individual defender on this team, and has more than enough strength to make sure Simmons stays out of the paint. Smart can do the best job of disrupting his passes, and forcing him to the weakest part of his game, shooting.

The one problem, however, is that Smart has a clear height disadvantage. We also know that Smart might be the most versatile defender in the NBA, and has proven time and time again that he can make up for the size problems.

That being said, the Celtics may not want to give Simmons any opening. If he can drive and use his height to get any advantage, then the Celtics will have to look to Brown. Brown may not be as consistently dominant on that end, and there is a good chance Simmons will have his turn to beat him.

Brown, however, has all of the on ball skill and strength, along with the added size and athleticism to make sure that Simmons has no where to go. You can trust Smart more to play his best defense, but if Brown plays his best, then he is better suited to guard Simmons.

Especially with Embiid out, I would expect different looks for Simmons. The Celtics will make sure that he does not get comfortable, and all efforts will be towards taking him out of the paint and making him a jump shooter.

Next: Horford's Rebounding Struggles Have Returned

Simmons is going to cause a lot of problems for the Celtics over this next generation, but there is a good chance both Brown and Smart will be right there to defend him every step of the way. This is just the beginning, but if one of these guys separates as the better matchup, this could become one of the better battles we will be getting over the next generation of the Eastern conference

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