Elite 3D! What Level is Dillon Brooks at Now?

In the 2023 NBA playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies were ousted in the first round by the Los Angeles Lakers, marking one of the most embarrassing moments for the team in recent memory. The key figure in this debacle? Dillon Brooks. The trash-talking forward found himself in the spotlight not just for his bold pre-series comments, but also for his underwhelming performance on the court. Brooks was far from the player who could back up his words, averaging just 10.5 points per game on 31.2% shooting from the field and 23.8% from beyond the arc. His struggles in the series, coupled with the Grizzlies’ early exit, led to a public outcry, with many fans and analysts pointing the finger at him as the scapegoat for Memphis’s playoff failure.

To make matters worse, the 2022-2023 season marked the final year of Brooks’s contract with the Grizzlies. His regular-season numbers were equally unimpressive, with an average of just 14.3 points per game, 39.6% shooting from the field, and 32.6% shooting from three. His true shooting percentage was a mere 49.4%, further solidifying the narrative that he was not living up to the expectations of a starting-caliber player in the league. It seemed like Dillon Brooks’s career might be in jeopardy, and many believed that he would struggle to secure even a veteran minimum contract in the offseason.

However, in an unexpected turn of events, the Houston Rockets swooped in and signed him to a four-year, $86 million deal, with annual salaries of $22.63 million, $22.26 million, $21.11 million, and $19.99 million. This move was widely criticized at the time, as Brooks had been known more for his defensive tenacity and confrontational style than for his offensive efficiency. With his poor shooting and tendency to instigate unnecessary conflicts on the court, many questioned why the Rockets would commit such a significant amount of money to a player with Brooks’s skill set.

But fast forward to the present, and Dillon Brooks is making his critics eat their words. The 2023-2024 season has been a resounding success for both Brooks and the Rockets, as Houston has undergone a remarkable transformation from perennial lottery dwellers to a legitimate playoff contender in the Western Conference. Through his first season with the team, Brooks has firmly established himself as a crucial piece of the Rockets’ roster, earning a starting role and consistently delivering solid performances.

In his first year in Houston, Brooks has played in all 74 games, averaging 32.0 minutes per game, 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. His shooting numbers have seen a noticeable improvement, with him hitting 43.0% of his field goals and 39.7% of his three-pointers, both of which are substantial increases from his last years in Memphis. Even more impressively, his true shooting percentage is a career-high 55.6%. While the Rockets didn’t make the playoffs this season, their 41-41 record represents a significant improvement from their dismal performance in the previous three seasons, where they managed to win only 59 games combined.

Now, in the current season, the Rockets have taken another leap forward. With a record of 52-27, Houston has secured the second seed in the Western Conference, and Dillon Brooks’s role in this success cannot be understated. His overall play has reached new heights, particularly after the All-Star break. Over the past few months, Brooks has averaged 15.5 points per game while shooting an astounding 41.5% from three-point range, making 2.8 three-pointers per game. These numbers place him in the conversation among the league’s top shooters, a far cry from the inconsistent and often inefficient shooter he was in previous seasons.

But Brooks’s impact extends beyond just scoring. His defensive contributions have been just as significant as his offensive improvement, which is no surprise considering his reputation as a tenacious defender. This season, Brooks has averaged 14.3 contested shots per game, leading to a 0.5% decrease in opponents’ field goal percentage and a 4.7% decrease in shooting from inside 10 feet. For a player who stands just 6’6” and frequently guards some of the league’s top offensive talents, these numbers are incredibly impressive.

Brooks has also been crucial in helping the Rockets maintain one of the best defensive ratings in the league. With him on the floor, the Rockets have allowed just 108.6 points per 100 possessions, a figure that improves to 106.4 points per 100 possessions after the All-Star break. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has allowed the Rockets to compete with the best teams in the West, and his contributions have been instrumental in the team’s rise to prominence.

One of the most notable games that highlighted Dillon Brooks’s value came against the Golden State Warriors. In a crucial matchup, Brooks shot an impressive 10-of-13 from the field, including 3-of-4 from three, finishing with 24 points—his highest scoring output of the season. But what made this performance even more remarkable was his defense. Alongside teammate Alperen Sengun, Brooks helped hold Stephen Curry to just 3 points, making his impact felt both offensively and defensively. Games like these have cemented Brooks’s status as a top-tier 3-and-D player in the NBA, a role that every contending team covets.

Despite his impressive season, Brooks still has areas where he can improve. His interior finishing remains a weakness, and when his shot is off, his offensive presence can become a liability. While he excels at guarding smaller guards, he can sometimes struggle against bigger forwards due to his lack of size and strength. However, these shortcomings don’t overshadow his overall value to the Rockets, who are benefiting from his improved shooting, defense, and leadership.

When comparing the Rockets’ performance before and after Brooks’s arrival, it’s clear that his addition has been a significant factor in the team’s turnaround. The Rockets have gone from a rebuilding squad with little direction to a playoff contender with one of the brightest young cores in the NBA. Brooks’s leadership, both on and off the floor, has been a key part of this transformation, as he has provided the Rockets with the defensive prowess and perimeter shooting they desperately needed.

Looking back at the Grizzlies’ decision to move on from Brooks after their playoff failure in 2023, it’s evident that Memphis has yet to fully recover from that move. In the years since, the Grizzlies have posted records of 27-55 and 47-33, and while injuries have certainly played a role, they have not been able to regain their previous form. Meanwhile, the Rockets have continued to rise, and it’s not entirely out of the question that we could see a matchup between the two teams in the first round of this season’s playoffs. If that happens, Dillon Brooks will have the chance to prove that the Grizzlies made a mistake by letting him go.

In the end, Dillon Brooks’s transformation from playoff scapegoat to elite 3-and-D player is one of the most compelling stories in the NBA today. His journey is a testament to the power of redemption and the value of perseverance. From being a player that many considered a liability to a key contributor on a championship-contending team, Dillon Brooks has truly silenced his critics and proven that he is capable of playing at an elite level. The Houston Rockets are lucky to have him, and with his continued growth, the future looks bright for both him and the team.