When Mat Ishbia talks about building a culture in Phoenix, he’s not just tossing around buzzwords. In a recent interview with Ryen Russillo, the Suns’ owner gave fans a rare peek behind the curtain-and in doing so, he made one thing crystal clear: Dillon Brooks isn’t just a short-term piece. Ishbia wants him in Phoenix for life.
Now, whether that was a tongue-in-cheek comment or a genuine long-term vision, it speaks volumes about how the Suns view Brooks’ impact. And honestly, it’s hard to argue with the sentiment. Love him or hate him, Brooks brings something to the court-and the locker room-that’s been missing in Phoenix for a while: edge, accountability, and a relentless motor that doesn’t turn off when the lights dim.
Brooks landed in the Valley this offseason, but he’s already made his presence felt. Around the league, the consensus has shifted-this guy makes teams better.
He did it in Houston, where his defensive tenacity helped reshape the Rockets’ identity. And while his time in Memphis ended with more fireworks than finesse, the Grizzlies haven’t quite been the same since he left.
That’s part of the Dillon Brooks experience. He’s going to get under opponents’ skin.
He’s going to stir the pot-just ask LeBron James and the Lakers. But he’s also going to bring a fire to regular season games that most players save for the playoffs.
That kind of intensity isn’t easy to find, and it’s even harder to replicate.
And in Phoenix, it’s making a difference. The contrast between this current Suns team and the version that featured Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal is stark.
Ishbia didn’t take direct shots at the former stars, but he acknowledged what many suspected: the previous roster lacked a true cultural foundation. Big names, big expectations, but little cohesion.
With Brooks, it’s different. He’s not just playing hard-he’s holding teammates accountable, setting a tone, and raising the bar.
Just look at Collin Gillespie. The guard is having a breakout campaign, and while he deserves full credit for his performance, Brooks has played a key role in his development.
He’s taken Gillespie under his wing, even giving him the nickname “Villain Jr.” It’s a small thing, but it speaks to the kind of leadership Brooks brings.
He’s not just barking orders-he’s building bonds.
That kind of leadership, paired with Devin Booker’s steady presence, gives the Suns a foundation they can actually build on. Ishbia’s not shy about his ambitions-he referenced his rebuild of the Phoenix Mercury, which led to a WNBA Finals appearance just three years later.
He tried to do the same with the Suns, but quickly realized that tearing things down in the NBA isn’t always the answer. Now, he’s focused on creating something sustainable.
And Brooks is central to that plan.
Saying a player will be with the franchise “for good” is a bold statement. But it’s also a smart one.
It tells your locker room that accountability and effort are valued. It tells your fanbase that the team isn’t just chasing stars-they’re building a culture.
And most importantly, it tells Dillon Brooks that he’s not just a stopgap-he’s a cornerstone.
In Phoenix, that’s exactly what they need.