Ben Simmons Defends Himself Against Heckler, Receives Coach’s Challenge

Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons found himself in a heated exchange with a heckling fan following the team’s 116-101 loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday. As Simmons walked through the players’ tunnel, a fan allegedly shouted, “You’re trash.” Simmons responded by saying, “Why didn’t you say it when I was there, pu**y.”

Dennis Schroder, Simmons’ teammate, quickly intervened, confronting the fan and asking, “Who’s talking s**t to Ben?” The situation drew the attention of other Nets players and security, who stepped in to prevent further escalation. The incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny Simmons faces due to his limited playing time and performance over the past few years.

Simmons has been under significant pressure, having played only 57 regular-season games over the past three years due to a back injury that kept him out for the entire 2021-22 season. Despite his health issues, Simmons has expressed confidence in his current physical condition, stating, “I feel like when my body is healthy, that [all-star] confidence I always have, and that’s where I’m at right now.”

New Nets head coach Jordi Fernández has been encouraging Simmons to be more aggressive on the court, urging him to drive to the rim and aim for 10-15 field goal attempts per game. However, Simmons is currently averaging just 4.5 field goal attempts per game, which would be a career low if it continues.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons has suggested that Ben Simmons could still be a valuable asset in the NBA, particularly as a potential buyout candidate in February. He noted that Simmons could fit into various roles with different teams, such as serving as a backup in Golden State or contributing to the Miami Heat‘s culture.