Dillon Brooks Is Powering the Suns-and Deserves His First All-Star Nod
When the Phoenix Suns tipped off this season, few expected them to be hovering above .500 before the New Year. Fewer still would’ve predicted that Dillon Brooks-often cast as the NBA’s ultimate agitator-would be at the heart of their early success.
But here we are. The 29-year-old forward has not only found a home in Phoenix, he’s become the emotional core of a team that’s outperforming expectations.
Yes, Devin Booker is still the franchise’s offensive pillar. On any given night, Mark Williams or Collin Gillespie might step up in a big way.
But Brooks? He’s the one who consistently steps into whatever role the Suns need.
And that’s why it’s time to talk seriously about him as a first-time All-Star.
Why Brooks Belongs in the All-Star Conversation
Let’s start with the obvious: All-Star selections aren’t just about stats-they’re about impact. Too often, players with gaudy numbers miss the mark when it comes to influencing wins.
That’s not the case with Brooks. The Suns weren’t expected to sniff 20 wins this season.
Yet they’re already sitting at 19-16, and Brooks has been a major reason why.
When Jalen Green has been unavailable and Booker’s had his off nights, Brooks has been the steadying force. He’s not just filling in the gaps-he’s setting the tone. He’s become the guy who brings edge, intensity, and accountability every night.
Let’s not pretend he’s a fan favorite. Brooks relishes the role of villain, and he’s leaned into it this season-mixing it up with LeBron James, getting under Draymond Green’s skin, and becoming a player opposing fans love to hate.
But that edge? It’s exactly what this Suns team needed.
More Than Just Grit-The Numbers Back It Up
Brooks’ impact isn’t just emotional or intangible. The numbers tell a compelling story.
Phoenix currently ranks 12th in defensive rating (113.7), and Brooks is a big reason why. His on-ball defense, physicality, and ability to guard multiple positions have helped elevate the Suns from a bottom-tier unit into a respectable defensive squad.
Offensively, he’s having a career year across the board. He’s taking 17.4 shots per game-second only to Booker-and hitting career highs in both volume and production.
His 21.8 points per game mark a significant jump from his career average of 14.5. He’s also attempting 7.2 threes a night, connecting at a 34.3% clip.
That percentage isn’t elite, but the increased volume shows confidence and trust from the coaching staff.
And speaking of coaching-head coach Jordan Ott has found in Brooks the perfect embodiment of his team’s identity. Tough, relentless, and unafraid of the moment. Brooks isn’t just filling a role; he’s defining it.
A Villain Turned Fan Favorite-At Least in Phoenix
Let’s be real: Brooks won’t win the fan vote. He’s not built for popularity contests.
But if coaches are paying attention-and they usually are-he deserves serious consideration. He’s the second-best player on a team that’s outpacing expectations, and he’s doing it with a mix of production, leadership, and competitive fire that’s hard to replicate.
This is a guy who wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms in Phoenix. Booker himself wasn’t a fan at first.
But in less than half a season, Brooks has earned the respect of the locker room and the city. That’s not easy to do, especially when you arrive with as much baggage as Brooks did.
And yet, here he is-playing the best basketball of his career, anchoring a surprisingly competitive Suns team, and making a legitimate case for his first All-Star appearance.
The numbers are there. The impact is undeniable. The transformation is real.
Now it’s time for the league’s coaches to recognize it.