‘The whole season was not what I wanted’

Dillon Brooks is currently showcasing the most efficient and arguably best basketball of his career in Houston this season. He has significantly reduced his number of shots per game (4.9 fewer, or six fewer per 36 minutes), carefully choosing when to shoot and achieving a much higher shooting percentage — 53.3% on 3-pointers and 56.3% inside the arc (a considerable improvement from 45.1% on twos last year). Brooks continues to excel as an elite point-of-attack defender, playing a crucial role in Houston’s impressive 6-3 start to the season.

Despite his outstanding performance, the conversation has not yet caught up with his play. Much of the discussion still centers on his tumultuous departure from Memphis, which was messy with team executives reportedly saying they didn’t want him back under any circumstances. Brooks, as reported by Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, expressed his dissatisfaction with how things unfolded and made it clear that he has no regrets.

“It wasn’t what I wanted,” he says. “The whole season was not what I wanted. I feel like we did better when I was a focal point in that organization. They chose a different route. But I’m happy that through all the bulls*** I was able to get what I always deserved.”

“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,” says Dillon Brooks. “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.”

The full story provides a nuanced picture of Brooks’ perspective.

Brooks’ grievances are not unfounded — the issues in Memphis extend far beyond him. This has been made evident by the Grizzlies’ disappointing 2-8 start to the season, coupled with the suspension of Ja Morant for 25 games for his actions on social media, and Steven Adams being ruled out for the season. Brooks has been unfairly portrayed as the sole source of the team’s struggles. Notably, Adams was sidelined during the previous postseason, and the team was still finding its rhythm following Morant’s initial suspension.

Admittedly, Brooks also contributed to the issues in Memphis — his unnecessary confrontation with LeBron James during the playoffs last season, as well as his desire for a larger offensive role without earning or deserving it, were part of the problem. He is not immune to criticism.

Meanwhile, in Houston, Brooks has embodied the kind of offensive player the Grizzlies yearn for — someone who stays in their lane, carefully selects their shots, and capitalizes on their opportunities. Although it is still early in the grueling NBA season, the move to Houston seems to be working in Brooks’ favor.

Houston appears to have benefitted greatly from Memphis’ willingness to part ways with Brooks.