Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports Dillon Brooks helped establish a new culture, and he deserves credit. When you aren’t a frequent fixture in the spotlight, the perception others have of you is allowed to change. For a while, Dillon Brooks was viewed as a nuisance, a distraction and a poker of a bear who lives in Los Angeles. That reputation cost him his role with the Memphis Grizzlies; though the response from the team was arguably over the top, the message was clear. Some wondered if Brooks would find himself on an NBA roster. Considering he hadn’t committed a crime or even been accused of one, it was a reactionary way of thinking, but it paints the picture of how things looked for Brooks ahead of last season. Everything changed when Houston offered him a four-year, $80 million contract. Some called it overpay; some were happy for Brooks. However you choose to classify it, it’s clear that Brooks is grateful based on his presence for the Rockets this past season. 
Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports Brooks maintained his agitator role last season, but not to a degree that was detrimental to the team. He served as a protective force when opponents tried to intimidate the young Rockets, embodying a symbol of resilience from which his teammates drew strength. Brooks played a crucial part in head coach Ime Udoka’s mission to instill toughness and grit. Despite Houston’s failure to reach the postseason, the season was largely a success, with a strong team culture firmly in place. In a completely different role from his Memphis days, Brooks saw a decline in his numbers with the Rockets. This isn’t a cause for concern, as he’s not expected to be a top scorer or playmaker. However, one area that could significantly benefit Houston in the future is Brooks’ consistency from beyond the arc. He attempted 5.1 three-pointers per game, but only made 1.8. This is far from ideal. Despite this, the Rockets show promise as a team that could make a playoff push. Most players’ defining moments of a season are shutting down a star player on defense, a game-winning basket, a game where they went berserk, or a viral dunk. In my eyes, Brooks’ moment fits him and the team perfectly because it came when stepping up to Demar Derozan, the Chicago forward, who crashed into Jalen Green. You need teammates who will defend each other, or else teams will walk all over you with no fear of consequence. That’s what Brooks brings to the table. Source: https://www.thedreamshake.com/2024/5/8/ ... lon-brooks