Rockets Season Preview: Will Dillon Brooks' Impact Lead To Redemption?

After his exile from Memphis, will Dillon Brooks' impact lead to a road of redemption with the Houston Rockets?

HOUSTON — Dillon Brooks was one of the Houston Rockets' biggest free agency acquisitions. The veteran forward joined the Rockets after signing a four-year deal worth $80 million, which ended his stint as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Even though Brooks' tenure with the Grizzlies ended poorly, he has established himself as one of the best defensive wings in the league. 

He is a great addition due to his defensive versatility. Brooks is one of the top wing defenders, and his signing would help enhance the Rockets' appalling defense — which finished near the bottom of the league for three consecutive seasons.

During the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Brooks led the Canada Men's National Team to a bronze medal on Sept. 10.

In an effort that earned "MVP" chants from the crowd assembled at SM Mall of Asia Arena, Brooks led Canada to a 127-118 victory over Team USA. He recorded 39 points on 12-of-18 shooting from the field, five rebounds and four assists. 

Dillon Brooks shoots over the top of Rockets' K.J. Martin

"I'm really happy for Dillon," general manager Rafael Stone said. "He's the player that we thought we were signing. It's not at all surprising. But it's great. And more so than any player I can really remember in recent memory, there's a narrative about him that's odd and wrong. I think kind of the whole world over the last week has kind of owned that he's a really good basketball player."

Brooks is coming off a season where he averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 73 games. But against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, he scored an average of 10.3 points on .312/.238/.714 shooting splits. The Grizzlies fell 4-2 to Los Angeles.

The six-year veteran forward represents what the Rockets wanted to add in free agency. He’s competitive. He’s a defensive talent who isn't afraid of a challenge while not backing down to any player, including LeBron James.

"I poke bears," Brooks said. "I don't care, he's old. I don't respect no one until they come and (score) 40. I just let him know that, 'You can't take me one-on-one. You haven't.' You go look at the film."

Brooks was a second-round pick (No. 45 overall) by the Rockets during the 2017 NBA Draft. He was traded to the Grizzlies immediately following the selection.