Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks was dealt to the Phoenix Suns from the Houston Rockets on Sunday, with Phoenix sending Kevin Durant in return. The trade sparked criticism due to Durant’s elite performance level despite being 36. Still, while Brooks isn’t a superstar, he’s known for positively impacting teams a reputation he built in Memphis and continued with Houston, where he helped lead the Rockets to their first playoff appearance in five years.
Brooks’s game isn’t flashy and can be abrasive, sometimes even disruptive to his own squad. Yet it often throws opponents off and produces winning results. Following the trade, comparisons were drawn between Brooks and Draymond Green. Phoenix sports radio host John Gambadoro shared insights from an NBA coach who had high praise for Brooks.
“Everyone hates Dillon Brooks until he’s on your team,” the coach reportedly told Gambadoro. “He takes the game seriously, does everything asked of him, and defends positions 1 through 4. He’s guarded elite players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis.”
The coach also noted Brooks has improved his shooting and tends to thrive on successful teams. However, when faced with constant losing, he can become a source of distraction.
While the Suns didn’t land a star in return for Durant, acquiring Brooks could be a cultural reset for the franchise. His presence might not raise Phoenix’s immediate ceiling, but it introduces a gritty, competitive edge the team has lacked potentially setting the stage for long-term growth.
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