‘I Poke Bears!’ Rockets Sign LeBron James Pest Dillon Brooks for $80 Million

The Houston Rockets have signed controversial veteran forward Dillon Brooks on a four-year deal worth $80 million.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets acquired veteran free agent Dillon Brooks on Saturday … adding a player who brings defensive intensity … and some odd baggage.

Dillon is something less than a household name. But in this year’s NBA playoffs, he drew the assignment of covering LeBron James - a battle most notable for Brooks’ outrageous remarks.

Example? ‘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 …”

According to The Athletic, Brooks and the Rockets agreed to a four-year deal worth $80 million. 

Coach Ime Udoka described his coaching philosophy as toughness, respectability, accountability, and defense. He expects his players to adopt the same characteristics. 

The Rockets had several prospects to consider when seeking players who match Udoka's principles, and the addition of Brooks has created a match.

“With phase II, we’re adding some more young pieces but also adding veterans,” Udkoa said. “I think that alone will raise the level of competition. For us, it’s just adding the right pieces.”

By joining the Rockets, Brooks officially ends his six-year tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies. Even though Brooks' tenure in Memphis ended poorly, he has established himself as one of the best defensive wings in the league. 

His signing will help enhance the Rockets' appalling defense — which has finished near the bottom of the league for three consecutive seasons.

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 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.

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. 

After his LeBron entanglement, the Grizzlies issued an unusual public statement to tell the world he was not being invited back. But now he’s being invited to Clutch City … presumably to “poke some bears.”

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