Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks Making Great First Impression as 'Phenomenal Teammate'

Dillon Brooks is far from his persona as one of the NBA's biggest villains.

HOUSTON — Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks "loves to compete at all costs." But due to being an agitator to his opponents, Brooks feels the narrative has misconstrued him as a person.

"I am just a competitor," Brooks said. "I do everything to get into a player's head to make them tired. I've been pretty good at working that trait for a while...All of the stuff on social media, I don't answer to it because it's their perception of me."

Brooks' image took a significant blow during the Memphis Grizzlies' post-season defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers. The two-seeded Grizzlies lost in six games. And following his highly publicized clash with LeBron James, the Grizzlies exiled Brooks from Memphis. 

The public's perception vilified Brooks on and off the court all summer. But the Rockets have discovered that Brooks' personality is a 180 from the image illustrated before his arrival in July.

Jae'Sean Tate said Brooks is one of the best guys to be around. He is always smiling. And after three consecutive years of competing against each other as divisional foes, Tate is excited to play alongside Brooks.

"Game recognizes game," Tate said. "You cannot deny his credit for how good of a basketball player he is. When you put that together and see how you complement each other and provide what the team needs defensively, I think that's going to be something useful this year."

Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate (8) dribbles as Memphis Grizzles guard Dillon Brooks (24) defends during the first half at FedExForum / Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Tate has credited Brooks for helping change the Rockets' culture. His belief concurs with the rest of his teammates and coach Ime Udoka. Alperen Sengun, who made an assertive effort to enhance his play on the defensive end during training camp, has appreciated Brooks' willingness to help and teach on defense.

"He is a phenomenal teammate, great guy," Jock Landale said. "When you look at how he operates out on the court, it goes a long way when you have him on your side of the ball. He is consistently talking on defense. Offensively, he is unselfish. That's a guy I'm happy to have on my team this year."

Brooks signed a four-year, $86 million contract with the Rockets in July as a part of a sign-and-trade with the Grizzlies.

He spent the first six seasons averaging 14.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists in addition to 0.9 steals. For his career, Brooks has shot 41.6 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from deep. 

Brooks has always been a trash-talker who can get under his opponents' skin. He's been that way since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2017. But despite embracing the role as the NBA's biggest villain, Brooks is adored in Houston.

He has exceeded early expectations as a teammate. The only knock against Brooks has been his dancing, which Tate said needed work.