Dillon Brooks Fuels Suns’ Transformation
The Phoenix Suns have undergone a remarkable transformation this season, largely thanks to the addition of Dillon Brooks. Acquired during the offseason, Brooks has become the catalyst for a significant cultural shift within the organization. With a current record of 14-11, the Suns have exceeded preseason expectations, and Brooks’ impact is unmistakable.
A New Identity Under Pressure
Brooks, alongside new head coach Jordan Ott, has implemented an ethos that Brooks describes as “gritty, confident and we ain’t scared of nobody.” This mentality has reverberated throughout the team, effectively flipping the script for a franchise that struggled defensively last season. The Suns, once among the league’s worst defensive units, now lead the NBA in steals per game at 10.8. They also rank second in points off turnovers, averaging 21.8, and third in opponent turnovers per game with 17.2.
On the offensive front, the Suns have shown resilience and confidence, regardless of the injuries that have plagued the roster. This newfound tenacity has propelled Brooks to achieve a career-high average of 21.7 points along with 1.4 steals in his inaugural season with the Suns.
Praise from Ownership
Suns owner Mat Ishbia has expressed strong appreciation for Brooks’ contributions, hinting at a long-term commitment to the player during a recent appearance on The Ryen Russillo Show. “He brings everything, man,” Ishbia stated, highlighting Brooks’ multifaceted skill set. “I know some people don’t like him, which is great because he’s gonna be with us for good, so don’t worry about it. He’s gonna be with us, and you’re not going to like him against (you).”
Ishbia emphasized Brooks’ toughness, grit, and defensive prowess, noting that he also excels on offense with his impressive scoring average. “He’s just a winner, he’s a leader, and he’s changed the culture,” Ishbia added.
A Vision for the Future
Ishbia’s vision for a revitalized Suns team began to take shape even before the blockbuster trade that brought Brooks and others to Phoenix in exchange for Kevin Durant. After the Suns missed the playoffs last season with a disappointing 36-46 record, Ishbia identified the need for a clearer team identity. He envisioned a squad that embodied pride, grit, determination, and joy—elements that Brooks exemplifies.
Reflecting on the team’s direction, Ishbia explained how Brooks fits seamlessly into this vision. “When we talked about that identity this summer, this was before we made the Kevin Durant trade… we defined ‘does anyone live like that?'” he remarked. “And Dillon Brooks is everything we wanted, and he’s even better than I thought. We love having Dillon. He’s been everything we wanted, and now we got to continue to spread that… (Brooks) raises the floor of every other player on the floor too.”
With Ishbia’s words echoing throughout the franchise, it’s clear: Dillon Brooks is not just a temporary fix for the Suns; he represents the foundation of a bold new era in Phoenix basketball.
