As the Houston Rockets gear up for their NBA Cup semifinal clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday evening, much of the spotlight will be on Dillon Brooks. Known for his intense play and outspoken personality, Brooks is always a key figure in any Rockets game. This time, he’ll be facing off against his fellow Canadians, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort of the Thunder, in what promises to be a high-stakes matchup.
Despite being a frequent subject of criticism, often for his fiery style and controversial moments, Brooks has proven to be a vital asset for both the Memphis Grizzlies and now the Houston Rockets. His strong defensive play and leadership have made him a cornerstone of Houston’s lineup, a fact the team acknowledged by signing him to a four-year, $86 million contract in the 2023 free agency period.
Jabari Smith Jr. Highlights Brooks' Impact as a Teammate
Ahead of Saturday's game, Jabari Smith Jr., one of the rising stars on the Rockets, opened up about what it's like to play alongside Brooks. Smith, who has spent two seasons with Brooks, described him as a misunderstood figure in the NBA.
“Oh, it’s great,” Smith said during Friday's media availability. “He’s one of the most… I’m trying to think of the word. Like, misunderstood. Because people might view him on the outside looking in like he’s this crazy guy, but he really is a leader, he really loves basketball, he really is a hard worker."
Smith went on to praise Brooks for his leadership and dedication to the game, qualities that have helped foster a close bond between the two. “He’s everything you can ask for in a vet,” Smith continued. “I’ve grown closer to him as I’ve been with him the past two years, he’s like my big brother. We’ve built a relationship, and it rubs off on everyone. The energy and the intensity he plays with, it’s definitely working, it’s definitely rubbing off on everyone. He’s helped us a lot.”
Brooks’ Departure from Memphis and His Impact on Houston
Before joining the Rockets, Dillon Brooks had spent his first six seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he averaged 14.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. However, Memphis opted not to offer Brooks a new contract, citing concerns over his desire for a larger role and his off-court behavior potentially affecting the development of younger players.
Smith admitted that he had little knowledge of Brooks prior to joining the Rockets, aside from their encounters as opponents. However, he wasn’t quick to judge him based on the outside perception of Brooks’ intensity. “Yeah, a bit, but I didn’t really know him too much,” Smith confessed. “Just off of playing against him, but I ain’t judging a book off its cover, so I just really didn’t know what to expect. He ended up being real cool."
Brooks' Skill Set and Reputation as a Player
Smith also shared that Brooks’ skills on the court surpassed his expectations, revealing that he was impressed with the Canadian's play during training camp and pick-up games. “He’s got a lot more game than I thought from watching him. Because I watched him at Oregon, and I remember him being player of the year and all of that. So I knew there was some game in there, but he showed me in training camp and pick-up games. He’s shown me for sure.”
Brooks was a standout player at Oregon, earning the Pac-12 Player of the Year award in 2017, along with two First-Team All-Pac-12 selections in 2016 and 2017. He was also named a Consensus Second-Team All-American in 2017, cementing his reputation as one of the top talents in college basketball during his time with the Ducks.
Looking Ahead: Rockets vs Thunder in the NBA Cup Semifinals
With the Rockets and Thunder set to face off in the NBA Cup semifinal, all eyes will be on the matchup between these two young, talented teams. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 PM PST on Saturday, December 14, airing live on ABC.
As the Rockets aim for victory, Dillon Brooks’ role will once again be pivotal, and Jabari Smith Jr. will look to continue building on his growing chemistry with the veteran forward. Whether he’s acknowledged for his impact or not, Brooks is certainly a player to watch in this crucial semifinal contest.
