Memphis Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks has developed a reputation as the NBA’s newest villain, antagonizing opponents and earning notoriety for his actions on the court. Having already gotten into it with many of the biggest NBA stars, it appears Brooks’ rep among his peers isn’t favorable.
Brooks, the 45th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has gotten into it with multiple perennial All-Star selections over the past year. The 6-foot-7 wing got into it during the regular season and it was followed by Brooks trash-talking Green
- Dillon Brooks stats (2022-’23): 14.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 39.6% FG, .033 WS/48
Green responded later on his podcast, taking a shot at Brooks by saying he could never appear on The Draymond Green Podcast because the Grizzlies’ wing doesn’t have a resume worthy of being interviewed.
Related: Memphis Grizzlies tried replacing Dillon Brooks in February
Brooks also got into with Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell in February, with both players exchanging blows and being ejected. Talking to reporters after the game, Mitchell said that Brooks’ actions were a direct reflection of who he is and how he’s viewed around the league.
Now, as the Grizzlies try and stave off a first-round elimination, Brooks’ increasing reputation as he heads into NBA free agency is apparent. By many of his peers, Brooks is viewed as a borderline dirty player.
- Dillon Brooks contract: $11.4 million salary (2023), 2023 NBA free agent
Appearing on the Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s NBA reporter Tim MacMahon shed light on exactly how unfavorably Brooks is viewed by other NBA players.
Related: Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks follows trash talk with a groin shot
“You want to talk about his reputation? Ask other players in the league about him. … Dillon’s reputation also is that he is a, to be polite, a borderline dirty player and borderline’s being very polite. You heard Donovan Mitchell when he got cup-checked. He basically just unloaded. You heard what Draymond’s had to say. That’s not media-created.”
Tim MacMahon on Dillon Brooks’ reputation among NBA players
The reputation likely existed long before Brooks called Los Angels Lakers star LeBron James “old” and said he doesn’t respect James because he hasn’t scored 40 on him. In the next game, Brooks was ejected for a groin shot to James.
Related: Dillon Brooks fined for shoving cameraman
While Brooks’ reputation alone might not limit his value in NBA free agency, his poor play in the NBA playoffs will be noted by any interested teams. Through five games, Brooks shot 21.6 percent from the perimeter and 30.3 recent from the field, averaging nearly as many turnovers (1.2) as assists (1.8) per game.