PHOENIX — The Suns were stuck last season, and few would argue otherwise. A 36-46 record. No playoffs. No play-in. A defensive ranking of 27th. And a roster that often played like it lacked urgency.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Enter Dillon Brooks, one of the most polarizing players in the NBA and perhaps, exactly the jolt this team needs.
Brooks arrived in Phoenix as part of the larger deal involving the Houston Rockets and Kevin Durant. At 29, the Canadian forward has earned the nickname “Dillon the Villain” for his confrontational, physical style of play. He has ranked second in the NBA in technical fouls for three straight seasons, with 54 total over that stretch.
But behind the antics is a track record that speaks volumes.
Dec 23, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) celebrates a play in front of Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Why Brooks antics could help the Suns:
The Rockets finished fifth in the league in defensive rating last season, and Brooks was central to that identity. He helped limit fast-break damage, control tempo, and set a tone that opponents felt for four quarters. In fact, his teams, including Memphis, have finished in the league’s top 10 in defense for four consecutive years.
Mar 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) and Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) shove each other in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Houston was sensational on the defensive end and most of that goes to the bravado of Brooks. The Rockets’ 110.3 defensive rating was fifth in the league. The team was stellar at maintaining the pace by limiting turnovers and points off turnovers, being top 10 in both categories. In the past four seasons, the Canadian Olympian has been on a team with a top 10 defensive rating in the league, with the Memphis Grizzlies being top 3 from 2021-2023.
Apr 11, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) brings the ball up the court against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Brooks has had to grind for his opportunities, being a three-year college player and 2nd-round pick in the NBA draft. The 6’6 wing got his chance with his defensive intensity but has developed an outside shot that makes him one of the premier 3-and-D players in the NBA, shooting 39.7% from the beyond the arc last season.
The Suns have gone through the emotions for the past few years and have lost its spark. The culture around the 2021 Finals run is no more, but Brooks could reignite with his passion and energy to a franchise that is in need of a turnaround.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
