Rockets forward Dillon Brooks certainly doesn’t lack confidence. Following Canada’s quarterfinal victory over Slovenia at the 2023 World Cup, the veteran wing was asked if he was the best defender at the tournament.
“Yeah. This tournament, this world, in the NBA,” Brooks said, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. “I feel like I bring a different type of defense with my IQ and how physical I play and how disciplined I am on the floor.”
Brooks earned a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team this past season, his first appearance on an All-League team. As Fischer writes, new head coach Ime Udoka singled out the former Oregon product as a key target for Houston in free agency this summer due to his defensive tenacity.
“He (Udoka) knows that I bring a different type of edge to the game,” Brooks told Yahoo Sports. “I have my ups and downs with it. But I can teach young guys. Houston was a great offensive team. They just needed more on the defensive end, stressing priority on the defensive end.”
Describing the Rockets as a “great offensive team” in 2022/23 isn’t exactly accurate — they ranked 27th in the league, only faring better than the Pistons, Spurs and Hornets. However, Brooks is right that Houston needs help on both ends — the team was even worse on defense, finishing 29th in ’22/23 after being dead last two seasons ago.
Long known for being an irritant and a tone-setter for Memphis, the 27-year-old received a lucrative four-year, $86MM+ deal from the Rockets via a complex sign-and-trade. Brooks tells Fischer he’s ready for a leadership role with Houston.
“Just having a positive mindset, knowing that it’s gonna be a transition day by day,” Brooks said. “Getting better day by day and finding ways to believe in the details and believe in the little things that get you to where you need to get to, whether it’s playoffs, whether it’s winning the in-season tournament, each game getting better and better.”
In case you missed it, Canada faces Serbia in the first World Cup semifinal early Friday morning. You can vote in our poll for both semifinal match-ups right here.
I don’t care what Brooks thinks. Proof is in the pudding. And I think a change of scenery could bring out a better version of him. But he is what he last was until he isn’t. Cool to think it another to say it. With all these media outlets guess there is no keeping it to yourself and letting it fuel you quietly.
He could be, especially under Udoka
Todays Lance Stevenson. Lol
biggest offender more like
Not a fan cause of his commitment to non-ball stuff. But I always thought he could play. More important is he plays both ways.
Watch him in WC games. Canada vs Serbia tmrw. Brooks looks much leaner now. That’s a good sign for basketball players.
He’s supposed to think that. You can’t go out and compete when you don’t believe in yourself. Good for him.
Being an A—- got nothing to do with completing or believing in yourself.
He’s a heel. The league is better because of it.
Walk the walk, then you can talk.
A healthy Kawhi is the best defender in the world. He is a human vise on that end.
Kawhi can stop anything. Would’ve loved to have seen him in his prime vs Jordan in his prime. The Glove was the closest thing to almost perfect D.
Gary Payton the glove? I think Kawhi Leonard is the claw. First nickname I got correct today LOL
hes not healthy tho lmaoooo
Great defense for 2 games a season. Stellar.
2 Finals MVPs 2 DPOY awards
Unfortunately saying “a healthy Kawhi” has become like saying “a 6’10 Steph Curry”. Both would be amazing, but both don’t exist.
Unlike a 6’10” Steph, a healthy Kawhi has existed as evidenced by his 2 Finals MVPs and 2 DPOY awards.
There is a reason his initials are DB
I think I’m the most handsome man in the world too.
Yeah but it’s the ugly guys that get the hot chicks. The trick is to make them laugh. When they’re laughing their eyes are closed. It’s all science.
He is a good defensive wing and you really can’t rate him against PGs like Caruso and Holiday or Bigs like Jackson, Adebayo, Green and Gobert. When it comes to wings though I’d take Mikal Bridges or Anunoby and when healthy Leonard and George over Brooks.
Very ballsy for a guy who played with JJJ and was replaced by Marcus Smart.
Never change, Dillon
Dillon Brooks probably also believes Peter Pan is a true story…
May not be a true story but it’s a syndrome for sure. My girlfriend says I have it LOL
Dillon Brooks -1.1 vorp last season
That’s more to do with his terrible shot selection. If Udoka can convince him that he’s just marginally ahead of the towel boy on the pecking order at the offensive end then he can be a contributor to winning. That’s a big IF though…
Doncic turned him inside out on his way to the basket. DB all mouth and ego.
He should stop talking.