Dillon Brooks isn’t just proving doubters wrong - he’s reshaping the narrative entirely. After a rocky exit from Memphis in the 2023 offseason, the veteran forward has become a tone-setter in Phoenix, helping to drive a culture shift that’s translating directly into wins. The Suns, sitting at 24-17 after last year’s disappointing 36-46 finish, are looking like a team with a new edge - and Brooks is a big reason why.
“I felt like a lot of people counted me out,” Brooks said. “Thinking I was just going to wash away with the rest of the NBA players that had their shine and then weren’t able to evolve and stay in the league. I didn’t want to fall off.”
That chip on his shoulder has fueled a relentless drive. Brooks didn’t just want to hang around the league - he wanted to evolve, to grow, to prove he still belongs. And he’s doing it the only way he knows how: with hard work, passion, and a fire that hasn’t dimmed.
“I love this game, and I play it because I really love it,” he said. “I knew that I had to put in the work to be better every single day.”
That work is showing up in more than just the box score. Brooks has brought a two-way intensity to a Suns team that’s needed it - especially on the defensive end. But maybe just as important is the example he’s setting behind the scenes.
“He’s in the gym more than anybody that I know,” said guard Collin Gillespie. “You see how hard he works, how competitive he is, and you want to not let your teammate down when you see that.
He makes you want to work harder. He challenges you to be in the gym with him, challenges you to play harder.”
And sure, that kind of accountability can rub players the wrong way at times - Brooks isn’t afraid to call it like he sees it. But the result? A locker room that’s starting to mirror his toughness.
“You might not like it sometimes if he’s getting on you,” Gillespie added, “but it makes you a better player for sure.”
That’s exactly the kind of presence Suns owner Mat Ishbia envisioned when the team brought Brooks in.
“He’s exactly the type of player [who fits] what we talk about here in Phoenix, what we want to be, the identity of the Suns,” Ishbia said. “He gets up more shots than everybody else before practice.
He cares about winning. He plays defense, he plays offense, he’s a leader.
He’s tough. He’s doing everything.”
Ishbia didn’t just see Brooks as a roster addition - he saw him as a culture piece. And so far, Brooks has exceeded expectations.
“We wanted Dillon,” Ishbia said. “I envisioned him from a cultural perspective, a leadership perspective and an impact perspective at a really high level. He’s been even better than expected.”
Injury Updates: Booker, Green, Bouyea
As Phoenix prepares for Saturday’s game in New York, there’s some uncertainty around the backcourt. Devin Booker is questionable with a left ankle sprain that sidelined him in Thursday’s loss to Detroit. The Suns are also still without Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and Jamaree Bouyea (concussion).
Green, however, is inching closer to a return. He’s only appeared in two games this season, but teammates and coaches are seeing signs that he’s rounding into form.
“He’s looking more and more confident,” said center Mark Williams. “He’s looking more and more comfortable. Whenever that time is for him, we’ll be excited.”
Green’s return could shift the rotation, possibly moving Gillespie - who’s been starting - back to the bench. But it’s a change the team is ready for.
Brooks, for one, is excited about what Green can bring.
“He’ll be a big spark,” Brooks said.
Head coach Jordan Ott echoed that sentiment, while also emphasizing the need to be cautious.
“Full of talent, full of youthful energy we need,” Ott said. “His speed.
His ability to attack off the dribble. We need him, but we need him healthy.”
Green hasn’t played since November 8, and he’ll likely be on a minutes restriction when he does return. But even in limited action, his presence could give the Suns a jolt - especially as they look to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference.
Right now, Phoenix is leaning on grit, depth, and a new identity built around toughness and accountability. And at the heart of that identity? A forward who refused to fade away - and is now helping his team rise.