Toronto Raptors: Previewing a season-long battle with the Philadelphia 76ers

Matchup to watch: Kawhi Leonard vs. Ben Simmons

I’ll never discourage jokes. However, if you are going to make jokes at Ben Simmons behalf and his lack of a three-point jumper, please be aware you are poking fun at a player who is already a top-20 player in the NBA.

Simmons is a 6’10” freak athlete with a silky smooth handle and some of the best instincts in the entire league. If he never develops a jump-shot, Simmons still has the ability to be a first-team All-NBA selection.

Most opponents attempt to sag-off Simmons, daring him to shoot jumpers and press the issue. In some respects, this works. However, any point guard will tell you that passing with open lanes simplifies the game. Sag-off Simmons and you allow him to dissect you piece-by-piece.

Play him tight and Simmons will blow by you. Give him one step to put his massive frame in front of you and you have no chance to recover back. Simmons is too fast, too big, and to strong for nearly anybody in the NBA to handle.

Nearly anybody. If choosing the perfect matchup for Ben Simmons defensively, it’s hard to find a better match than Kawhi Leonard. Leonard is just as fast, nearly as big, and perhaps most importantly, stronger.

Kawhi will attempt to confuse Simmons with different coverages throughout the game. Press one minute and challenge his handle. Sag the next and try to jump the passing lanes. Giving Simmons one coverage all-game is too easy. Leonard will challenge him to think throughout.

If Leonard can neutralize Simmons, Philadelphia will have trouble putting up points consistently.