The Brooklyn Nets did not play their best game against the Orlando Magic on Friday night. After keeping things close midway through the game, the Nets lost momentum and took a 116-101 defeat. Of course, Ben Simmons caught fans' attention, but the type of attention he received was deemed unacceptable by Dennis Schroder.
Simmons has received endless criticism for his performances with the Nets since he joined the team in 2022. Some of that criticism is warranted, but it should never cross the line and become personal or disrespectful.
A Magic fan appeared to heckle Simmons after Friday night's game when he was walking through a tunnel, as seen in a TikTok video retrieved by Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. The fan loudly called Simmons "trash" a couple of seconds after the forward walked by to which Simmons replied, "Why didn't you say it when I was [closer to you, expletive]?
Dennis Schroder, who had already walked by, turned around and confronted the fan who called Simmons out. Schroder asked who was "talking [expletive] about Ben" before appearing to walk up to the fan who heckled Simmons and gave him a stern talking.
The situation highlights the need for fans to remain respectful in their interactions with players. Sometimes, a little bit of friendly back and forth is okay, but if a fan would not say something directly to the player's face and be okay with the repercussions, they probably have no business saying it in the first place.
Yet, one of the positive things about the interaction was Schroder's willingness to stand up for his teammate.
Schroder sticking up for Simmons is invaluable
Schroder did not hesitate to stick up for Simmons. His actions are highly positive for the Nets, and for more than the simple goodness found in defense of a teammate.
Nets fans are aware of Simmons' historical injury woes, lack of availability, and seeming lack of offensive assertiveness. Through his first two games of the 2024-25 season, Simmons averages 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, which are all below the marks he previously reached with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Simmons amassed seven points, six rebounds, and three assists on just four shooting attempts from the field in the Nets' loss to the Magic. However, Schroder and the rest of Simmons' teammates showed they have his back despite his struggles, which is huge for Brooklyn's team chemistry.
Friday night's postgame incident might fuel Simmons to greater performances. More importantly, the altercation might have brought the Nets closer together. It could provide Brooklyn a spark to break their early-season losing streak.
No matter what anyone says, Ben Simmons and the Nets will keep fighting to improve and bring success to the borough.