Dillon Brooks ended last season in the worst possible way. He talked up a big game and trash-talked LeBron James personally before having one of the worst playoff performances of his career as his Grizzlies got eliminated in the first round and issued a statement saying Brooks will not be brought back to the team.
JJ Redick delivered an impassioned rant on the hate Dillon Brooks has received in recent months, pointing towards his new $80 million contract as proof of his value around the NBA.
“I saw all the memes on Twitter about him needing to learn Mandarin because he was gonna play in China. The motherf***er just signed for $80 million. I’m sorry for the language but he just signed for $80 million. He’s a good player, a valuable player. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I want a Dillon Brooks on my team. I want a disruptor, I want a pest, and I want a guy that can defend at his level.”
Another classic JJ rant… on Dillon Brooks pic.twitter.com/drYUOcNmo4
— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) July 2, 2023
Brooks was named to an All-Defensive team this season despite all the baggage around him. He also had a robust market of teams looking to sign him, including possible contenders in the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks. The Rockets had to outbid them to get Brooks to sign for four years.
The swingman averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 39.6% shooting from the field last regular season, a noticeable dip compared to the previous season, where he averaged 18.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Dillon Brooks Maintaining Value Around The NBA
Perimeter defenders aren’t as ever-present in the NBA as many assume. Brooks is one of the best defenders for his position. His efforts allowed the Grizz to run a small backcourt of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane without facing the burn of the same on the defensive end. The team definitely improved by getting Marcus Smart in that role instead, but Brooks’ contributions can’t be ignored.
The Rockets will likely not be contending but are primed to have a better season than the on-court disaster they’ve been for three seasons. Brooks’ offense may never be redeemable enough to be called good, but if he can improve his shot selection and thrive on taking open three-pointers, he will find his way back to a contending situation sooner rather than later.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
