Peter Okereke
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has expressed happiness about the contributions of Dillon Brooks to the team in his first year with the organization.
Recently, the Phoenix Suns saw their 2025-26 season come to an end with a sweeping loss at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. But the Suns still had a successful season overall, making the playoffs when virtually no one expected to in the aftermath of their trade of Kevin Durant last offseason.
Indeed, one of the main reasons for Phoenix’s success this year was the play of Dillon Brooks, the longtime opposing fan antagonist who has made the last two teams he has joined demonstrably better.
Recently, Suns owner Mat Ishbia spoke on what Brooks has brought to the table in Phoenix so far this year.
Mat Ishbia hails Dillon Brooks’ impact and backs ‘villain’ personality
Per journalist Gilbert McGregor, the Suns owner spoke glowingly of Dillon Brooks‘ gameplay while revealing his wish to see him continue being part of the team.
“He’s in early. He stays late. He comes in after the games and shoots… his villain persona, I love,” Mat Ishbia said.
“Technical fouls, I’ll say I love them… I’d rather him not get suspended, but I take him as he is. Can he get better at things? Absolutely, but he’s a leader, he cares, I love him, I love having him here. Dillon deserves everything he’s gotten. He’s earned it.”
Indeed, Brooks has helped shift the culture for the Suns, particularly with his defensive contributions at the backcourt.
Over the last few years, Brooks has remained an elite perimeter defender while expanding his offensive game tenfold, suddenly able to put the ball on the floor and create his own offense with consistency.
It will be interesting to see how Ishbia and the Suns’ front office go about retooling the team this offseason after blowing away expectations during the 2025-26 campaign, but Brooks sure seems to be a part of the long-term plan.
