Luka Doncic Has Different Opinion of Dillon Brooks Than Most After Slovenia Loss

The NBA's most prolific provocateur has helped Canada reach the FIBA World Cup semifinals.

It seems safe to say Rockets forward Dillon Brooks made his share of news in 2023.

In his sixth and final season with the Grizzlies, Brooks embarked on one of the most thorough campaigns of sustained antagonism in the recent history of sports. He feuded with Lakers forward LeBron James, Warriors forward Draymond Green, Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and seemingly anyone else in the league with a pulse.

However, after a humbling exit from Memphis in free agency, Brooks has reinvented himself this summer with rock-solid play for Canada in the FIBA World Cup—culminating in praise from Slovenia star Luka Dončić after the Canadians’ 100–89 quarterfinal win Wednesday morning.

“I think Dillon played great. He was very physical, like he always does. A lot of people don’t like him, but I respect him for what he does. And he does that stuff really good,” Dončić said.

Luka Doncic on his frustration with the officials tonight, and his matchup with Dillon Brooks ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mu5ddmd7E4

— Jacob Doole (@JacobDoole) September 6, 2023

Brooks was ejected from the game, which he took in stride. However, he chipped in 14 points, three rebounds and three assists before his exit.