Dillon Brooks ‘never thought a villain could be a leader,’ but he continues to evolve

Dillon Brooks developed the “villain” reputation throughout his career, always getting in opponents’ faces, bringing a level of intensity few others possessed.

However, Dillon the Villain has evolved into a leader in Phoenix, which is not something Brooks thought could be done.

“I never thought a villain could be a leader, but somehow I made it to be. But it’s a blessing,” Brooks said Friday. “It just goes to the work that I put in, the thoughts that I put in to individuals, how they learn and what ways can they get better and make them more fiery. What button can I press?”

 

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Brooks is entering his 10th season in the NBA and coming off a career-high scoring season.

The former Oregon Duck’s first goal in the league was to be a starter. Throughout the three stops along his 10 years, he’s developed into a key starter and a culture builder in each place.

Brooks signed a three-year, $73 million contract extension this offseason. Now, the goal is to bring a championship to Phoenix.

“I would say I’m not content with just getting money and being rewarded like that. I love basketball, ” Brooks said. “So my reward would be a championship.”

The Suns forward added that the desire to receive personal accolades from the NBA will also continue to motivate him.

“(Earning) $73 million is showcasing that you’re a pretty good player, but accolades from the NBA, something like that always keeps my engine going,” Brooks said. “I seen around the NBA when I was coming up, that sometimes the money makes you content, and just makes you sit in your spot and feel like you’re good. You don’t need to get better.”

That’s another motivator. The veteran forward never wants to become content and allow a young player to rise above him.

“What I’ve learned over the years as well is that the NBA just keeps getting better with the young talent. So, if you take a year off from how you got your money, then somebody else is coming to take it,” Brooks said. “So, for me, that’s the motivation because I don’t want to get too old, or get too not into my game where some young guy can just come and just give me a 25, I just don’t know what to do and I can’t do it back.

“The work is what makes me. So, why stop?”

Dillon Brooks looking forward to playing LeBron James

The Suns schedule released Thursday with only two matchups against LeBron James, now that he’s on the Eastern Conference’s Philadelphia 76ers.

Brooks said he’s not disappointed that he’ll only face the 22-time All-Star twice, but he did smirk when he realized the matchup in Phoenix will be on James’ birthday.

“Oh, that’s LeBron’s birthday too. He did tell me that in one of the playoff series,” Brooks said. “I’m excited. That’s more ammunition for me to win that game. Should be fun.”

Brooks added the fewer games against each other will add to the build up for each matchup.

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