Dillon Brooks is not holding back: he absolutely loves his bigger role with the Phoenix Suns. In what has been a year-long stint in the desert, Brooks has found a new gear, transitioning from a role player with the Houston Rockets to a featured star who delivered borderline All-Star basketball for most of the 2025-26 season.
From 3-and-D to Featured Star
Most of us remembered Brooks as the gritty 3-and-D guy for the Memphis Grizzlies, a player known for his pesky defense and those trademark antics. So, it was a legitimate shocker to see him elevate his game so dramatically. He still brings that defense and the flair, but now he is playing at a much higher level. It seems the environment in Phoenix is a perfect fit, fueling his comfort and a massive uptick in his scoring. Brooks dropped an impressive 20.2 points per game for the Suns last season, stepping up huge for the team as he filled in during injury struggles for both Booker and Green, their most talented players.
A Massive Turnaround for the Suns
Despite those key injuries, the Suns kept impressing through the regular season. They ended up making the Playoffs, even if they got swept by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Honestly, getting to the Playoffs was a huge deal, a massive turnaround after pulling off the Kevin Durant trade for Brooks and Green. They couldn’t even reach the postseason with Durant the campaign before, so this was a seriously impressive showing. Brooks, for his part, seems totally at peace in Phoenix. He’s comfortable in his expanded role, a far cry from his mostly off-ball days with the Rockets and Grizzlies, and he’s scoring more than ever.
“I’m loving it,” Brooks said on The Road Trippin Show. “I think it was like a dream come true. It’s kind of like a second coming for me. I feel like I left a lot of stuff on the table in Memphis with my all-around game. Now, once I got traded, the opportunity was there… The fans are exquisite like that.” With Brooks, Green, and Booker leading the charge, plus promising young guys like Khaman Maluach and Koa Peat on the roster, the Suns are clearly eyeing a bright future.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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