Each day, we’ll spotlight a different player on the 2026-27 Phoenix Suns roster, exploring their contributions and potential impact as the team gears up for training camp and the preseason.
Dillon Brooks — a 6’7″, 225-pound guard-forward, aged 30, and entering his ninth NBA season — proved to be a major asset last year when the Suns acquired him in the Kevin Durant trade. He quickly became the driving force behind the team’s culture and was indisputably Phoenix’s second-best player, enjoying a career-best season. His on- and off-court value earned him a contract extension this offseason, reflecting widespread recognition of his importance, including being ranked 76th in ESPN’s NBA Top 100 players heading into this season.
Despite a standout year, Brooks still has weaknesses in his game, notably his tendency to prioritize shooting over passing, as his assist numbers remain low. With the addition of Miles Bridges and Jalen Green’s promising end-of-season form, competition for roles beyond star Devin Booker is intensifying. The critical question is how well Brooks will fit with the other starters and whether he can sustain the near-All-Star caliber performance he demonstrated previously.
Review of Last Season
In 2025-26, Brooks elevated his game significantly compared to his stint in Houston, posting career highs with 20.2 points per game on 17.1 shot attempts. His 34.4% three-point shooting and a career-best 49.2% inside the arc highlighted his scoring ability. Brooks often took on heavy offensive responsibility, especially as an isolation scorer and late-clock shooter. A notable strength was his effective post-up play, shooting 53.2% in those scenarios. However, his low assist average of 1.8 and a tendency toward tunnel vision contributed to the Suns’ decline in the season’s second half.
Brooks missed 26 games, mostly after the All-Star break, due to a broken hand, marking the first time since 2021-22 he played fewer than 70 games. While his scoring was vital, Brooks’ most profound impact was transforming the team’s culture. His fierce competitiveness and confident attitude quickly made him a fan favorite in Phoenix, earning him the nickname “The Villain” and stirring added drama through his rivalries with top players like LeBron James. Although there is some concern about his technical fouls potentially leading to suspensions, the overall positive influence he brings to the locker room outweighs those risks.
Contract and Team Context
Over the summer, Brooks secured a three-year, $73 million contract extension, averaging about $24 million annually, locking him in with the Suns through 2030, barring any major changes. This deal represents excellent value for a prime player who averaged 20.2 points on a playoff team. Given his style of play, which leans on strength over speed, Brooks’ game is expected to age well.
What Dillon Brooks Offers
Physicality stands out as Brooks’ defining trait. His scoring, defense, and leadership all benefit from his strength and relentlessness. He’s a savvy vet capable of guarding elite opponents aggressively without constantly risking fouls. Offensively, he powers through defenders to create space, draw fouls, or attack the basket. His toughness helped Phoenix transform from one of the league’s worst defenses into one of the best in just a year. Wherever Brooks has played—Memphis, Houston, or Phoenix—he has been a core part of top-10 defensive units.
With the offseason departure of key shooters Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, the Suns might see shifts in offensive dynamics, but their defense, led by Brooks, should continue to be a strength. Offensively, Brooks can deliver significant isolation scoring and has been especially crucial when Booker is sidelined. Though he isn’t a consistent star-level scorer, on his hot nights, he can be unstoppable, particularly excelling in post-up situations.
Areas for Improvement
While Brooks’ fiery nature is part of what energizes the Suns, leading to occasional technical fouls, this edge is also a key element of the team’s competitive spirit. However, a balance needs to be struck; Brooks should work on being less aggressive offensively to help improve the team’s ball movement and flow. He’s unlikely to become a high-assist player, but reducing tunnel vision and increasing passes can elevate the offense. Brooks has shown he can shoot efficiently from catch-and-shoot threes and improving his shot selection could lead to a more effective season overall.
Looking Ahead
Expect Brooks to remain a disruptive force and bring relentless energy to each game. He might drop to third or fourth in scoring behind Jalen Green and Miles Bridges but will maintain immense value due to his leadership and intangibles. His efficiency is predicted to improve while serving as a veteran mentor to Phoenix’s young wings. Adjusting to the new roster chemistry may take time, and Brooks will likely make personal sacrifices for team success, especially now that he has a long-term deal in place.
Projected Stats: 68 games played, averaging 16.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game, shooting splits of 45% FG, 38% 3PT, and 84% FT.
Final Thoughts
Brooks’ success this season hinges on how well he meshes offensively with Jalen Green and Miles Bridges. If these three can function cohesively around Devin Booker, the team’s potential ceiling rises significantly. Should Brooks maintain last year’s numbers without others stepping up, the team’s impact may be limited. Conversely, a slight dip in his raw stats, paired with better shot selection and ball movement, could mark the best season of his career. If Brooks adapts well and helps push the Suns deeper into the playoffs, he’ll solidify himself as a beloved figure in Phoenix, both for his fiery play and his role in reviving the team’s winning culture.
Fan Take: Dillon Brooks’ presence with the Suns adds a gritty, high-energy dynamic that basketball fans love to see—it’s more than just stats; it’s about heart and leadership. If he and his teammates can unlock a true offensive synergy, this Suns squad might not only compete but become one of the most intriguing teams in the league, pushing the boundaries of what a motivated, tough team can accomplish.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
