Houston Rockets’ shooting guard, Dillon Brooks, garnered the most headlines during the 2022-2023 NBA campaign. Brooks was part of the Memphis Grizzlies side that continually made the news, oftentimes for off-court issues, which possibly began to affect their on-court results.
On July 8, Dillon Brooks reportedly signed a four-year deal worth $80 million with the Houston Rockets, with the trade agreement sealed. Following Dillon Brooks’ potential rediscovery of his mojo, the shooting guard has recently taken a swipe at the Grizzlies over his scapegoat status during his stint with the team.
Dillon Brooks sheds light on his time with Grizzlies
Dillon Brooks, who is probably having the most efficient stint of his career, has shed light on his time with the Memphis Grizzlies which ended in jeopardy. While the Grizzlies’ team executives reportedly said not to have Brooks back understand any condition Brooks was in.
Brooks, who was in an interview with Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, revealed that he didn’t have plan of leaving the franchise but had to, because he was unhappy with the way things unfolded, though not tendering any apology for any previous incident.
Brooks further mentioned the lack of support from the Grizzlies, he stated, “What I didn’t like about Memphis was they allowed that so they can get out of the woodwork, and then I’m the scapegoat of it all. That’s what I didn’t appreciate. And then ultimately they’ll come to me on the low, as men, one on one and tell me something, but then not defend me when everything went down.” Brooks in tweet @TheDunkCentral. This might be right after all, as the team’s issues looked bigger than him.
While Dillon Brooks didn’t deserve to be a scapegoat, his share of blame surfaces over his trash-talking incident against the legend, LeBron James. Brooks trash-talking about LeBron’s age and game impact probably saw them securing only two wins in the series, which LeBron and the Lakers won dominantly with a 40-point victory over the Grizzlies. However, it seems the Grizzlies deciding to part ways with Brooks paved the way for the Rockets to secure him for the 2023-2024 season.
Dillon Brooks’ performance for Rockets after $80 million trade
Dillon Brooks donning the Houston Rockets’ jersey has become a change of story for the shooting guard positively, as he is now a different player. Brooks, whose profile has risen since his trade to the Rockets, has become a player who stays in his lane, making selective shots and knocking them down when he has the chance. Brooks has been solid with his shooting numbers: 55.1% from the field and 53.3% from deep.
While Dillon Brooks’ debut with the Houston Rockets on October 26 ended in a frustrating 86-116 loss to the Orlando Magic, he averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Dillon Brooks has become a key member of a young Houston Rockets side. Hence, his team’s impressive 6-3 record so far in the season has been largely inspired by Brooks’ averages of 13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 55.1% FG, and 53.3% 3P in 30:53 minutes so far in the 2023-2024 season.
It is quite obvious the team’s performance this current season with a poor 2-8 record might be linked to Brooks’ trade, especially with the absence of Ja Morant who is serving a 25-game ban owing to his unprofessional gun-handling behaviors, and the injured Steven Adams, who’s out for the season. As the Rockets face the Grizzlies next week, Brooks will be hoping to showcase his new version on the court and probably make the Grizzlies regret trading him to OKC.
