Suns’ Dillon Brooks Opens up on His Physical Style of Play
Dillon Brooks has never attempted to convince anyone that he is not something he is. He isn’t hesitant to show his edges, doesn’t apologize for his intensity, and doesn’t care about being boxed in by others. The veteran guard, who now plays for the Phoenix Suns, reiterated that in an exclusive conversation with R.org.
“I’m just trying to bring a little physicality, you know,” Brooks said, reflecting on the identity he carried with him throughout his NBA stops. “Last year, physicality… a lot of dudes that were, you know, just finesse players. So I brought a different attitude, motivation, and determination to this team. And I think guys are following and like the style of play.”
Brooks talks about physicality like some players talk about their jumper, which is innate, not manufactured. It’s fundamental to who he is, not a trait conjured for the cameras.
“That’s how I was raised. That’s the way I was for my whole life,” he continued. “But when I get between these four lines or anything that’s competing, it brings something different out of me. I want to win, do anything at any cost, so I feel like I’m two different people when it comes to being on the court and mingling and being with my teammates.”
The Other Side to Dillon Brooks People Don’t See
Brooks’ on-court persona of being fiery, disruptive, and relentlessly confrontational often causes everything else to be overlooked. According to Rockets analyst Ryan Hollins, there is a side of Brooks that is rarely seen.
“Dillon Brooks is one of the quietest, most respectful, and just all-around dope teammates you’re going to find,” Hollins told RG.org. “Behind the scenes, he’s incredibly patient and encouraging. He really takes care of his people.”
The league’s portrayal of Brooks as a villain or antagonist is in sharp contrast to this portrait. On the inside, he is a completely different person. Houston’s decision to embrace the complete duality of intensity, edge, and professionalism was a turning point last season.
“They didn’t try to tone him down,” Hollins explained. “They said, ‘Go be yourself. Go win us games.’ And that paid off. He was arguably our best three-point shooter and our best defender.”
The season ended with Brooks averaging 14 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, but these are only the beginning of the story. His worth was rooted in the energy that couldn’t be confined to a numerical score. Hollins summed it up as a slogan:
“Fred [VanVleet] is the offense, Dillon is the defense, and the culture is everything in between.”
Setting the Tone — Whether You Like It or Not
Hollins remembers not only Brooks’ fire, but also how it made the whole team elevate their approach.
“At the beginning of the season, his intensity was so exceptional that his teammates had to catch up,” Hollins said. “Once they did, that’s when the Rockets turned a corner. Dillon set the tone. He raised the standard. And the rest of the team followed.”
Brooks’ polarizing style was not noise, it was the engine.
Beyond Basketball: The Investor Mindset
Brooks has a deliberate approach when not on the floor. His competitive nature spills over into finance, where he’s building a long-term portfolio brick by brick.
“I put money into different funds, private equities, real estate and a couple different investments that I have,” Brooks said. “But, you know, overall, I’m slowly saving and waiting to put into something that’s gonna, you know, change the world.”
It’s a far cry from the guy yelling at his opponents on national TV. Brooks’ compellingness is a direct result of the contrast and duality he discusses. Brooks dives on the floor for a loose ball with the same enthusiasm as if it were oxygen, then turns around and spends his off days analyzing investment vehicles and global market trends. Two different people? Maybe. Perhaps it’s just one person, unwilling to pretend that competitiveness only matters when whistles are blown.
The Edge That Doesn’t Fade
Dillon Brooks is still a paradox: the enforcer with a thoughtful streak, the agitator who keeps his circle tight and protected, regardless of whether he’s in Houston, Memphis, or Phoenix.
The defender who leads without requiring recognition. Phoenix shouldn’t be surprised if he raises standards again. He cautioned us that he was not raised in any other way.