Dillon Brooks is making noise again-and this time, it’s not just for his defense or his trademark edge. The veteran forward is turning heads in Phoenix, playing arguably the best basketball of his career, and earning praise from some unexpected corners of the NBA world. One of the loudest endorsements came from none other than four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, who didn’t hold back when talking about Brooks’ value on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show.
“Dillon Brooks deserves more credit than he gets,” Cousins said. “He falls in the category of Marcus Smart, Draymond Green, Dennis Rodman. You want that type of guy on your team.”
That’s not exactly a throwaway comparison. Those are three of the most disruptive, high-IQ, emotionally charged defenders the league has seen-guys who change games without needing to score 30. And yet, Brooks did drop 33 points in a recent win over the Lakers, capping it off with several key defensive plays that reminded everyone why he’s such a polarizing but valuable presence.
The Suns clearly saw this coming. When they pulled off a massive seven-team trade in June that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets, Phoenix brought back Brooks, Jalen Green, and a package of young draft picks.
It was a bold move, and it’s already paying off. Brooks has stepped into a larger role under head coach Mike Budenholzer, who’s trusted him to take on tough defensive assignments and provide secondary scoring-something he’s embraced with full force.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia has also gone on record calling Brooks the “perfect guy” for Phoenix. That’s not just PR talk-it reflects the kind of identity the Suns are trying to build.
With Devin Booker and Bradley Beal handling the offensive fireworks, Brooks brings the grit, the edge, and the willingness to do the dirty work. He’s the guy who gets under the opponent’s skin, who doesn’t back down, and who sets the tone defensively.
But the ripple effect of Brooks’ resurgence isn’t just limited to Phoenix. His name is starting to pop up in conversations around the Western Conference-most notably in Sacramento. The Kings are quietly exploring ways to toughen up their roster, and Brooks fits the mold of what they’re looking for: a defensive-minded, high-energy competitor who can elevate the team’s intensity on both ends.
Sacramento has struggled with consistency this season, especially on the defensive end. Their rebuild has shown flashes, but they’re missing that emotional anchor-the kind of player who brings swagger, confidence, and accountability.
Brooks has proven he can be that guy. He did it in Memphis, where he helped shape the Grizzlies’ “grit and grind” identity.
He did it in Houston, where his presence gave a young team some much-needed edge. And now, he’s doing it again in Phoenix, on a team with postseason aspirations.
Whether the Kings make a move or not remains to be seen, but the fact that Brooks is even in that conversation speaks volumes about how far he’s come. His game has matured.
His shot selection has improved. And while the fire that made him a lightning rod in past seasons is still there, it’s now being channeled into winning plays.
Dillon Brooks isn’t just making noise anymore-he’s making an impact. And around the league, teams are starting to take notice.