Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson has drawn flak for his seeming indifference to the brawl that happened in Monday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets .
Several former player-turned-analysts weighed in on the subject, including Vernon Maxwell , known as an enforcer during his playing days. "Mad Max" explained he had no issue with how Robinson acted and even appreciated his honest reaction.
"I respect what Duncan did," said Maxwell. "Duncan stayed out of the way. Stay your a– out of the way, Duncan. I wouldn't even notice that unless somebody brought it up to my attention, like you did. But I'm cool with that. Duncan don't want no problems. He's from the suburbs."
Robinson grew up in New Castle, New Hampshire, a town of around 1,000 people, considered an affluent area with large legacy residences and high-end houses. Since it is a small town, folks live a slower pace of life and a low-key social environment. So yes, Mad Max has a point about Robinson's background and why he acted the way he did.
Also, Robinson is known as a quiet player who has never been involved in any NBA skirmishes; he does not play a physical style and is more concerned with knocking down 3-pointers than knocking opponents out.
The fight was between Duren and Diabate , then Duren and Bridges, and Bridges and Stewart. There was no need for him to interfere. As for separating the protagonists and the two teams, security was already in place, along with other players, including Cade Cunningham .
While Robinson refused to join the brawl, Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart came off the bench and went on to become a big part of the melee. However, just like Max was okay with Robinson not wanting a part of the brawl, All the Smoke's Stephen Jackson was also fine with Isaiah Stewart joining the fracas, even if he wasn't on the court when the original incident happened.
"We grew up in the era from five years old AAU teams to 16, 17. You're taught "In one fight, we all fight. Rules don't change when you in the NBA because you spend more time with these people than you actually spend with your family and so there people are actually your family during 7, 8 months of the year," said Jackson.
Fans certainly enjoy the physical confrontations that come with the game, but a lot has changed since the 80s, when these incidents weren't as financially burdensome on players' pockets.
Ultimately, everybody has their opinion on the incident, but here's what's sure. Tough guy Stewart heaped praise for defending his teammate, who started the whole thing by putting his hand on Diabate's face. "Beef Stew" is expected to be fined and meted out a significant suspension as a repeat offender. Meanwhile, Robinson loses neither game time nor money because he refused to be a part of the free-for-all.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
