An NBA insider discusses the real reason for Dillon Brooks' departure from the Memphis Grizzlies, and it has nothing to do with issues off the court.
This offseason, Houston picked up Dillon Brooks on a four-year, $80 million sign-and-trade. Interestingly enough, Brooks was actually drafted by the Houston Rockets with the 45th pick in the 2017 NBA draft but then was immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. So, it's a bit of a homecoming in that sense.
Brooks spent the first six seasons of his career in Memphis where he managed to carve out a nice 3-and-D role for himself. Yet, that same role would be Brooks' downfall, as it pigeonholed Dillon, limiting his scoring ability. It's now evident that this was the real motivation behind Dillon Brooks leaving Memphis.
NBA insider Tim MacMahon pointed out on The Lowe Post, "The primary reason the Grizzlies were trying to replace Dillon Brooks for a full two years, repeatedly going after players that would have replaced him in the trade market, and he probably would have been sent out, was because of the shot selection issue." McMahon emphasized, "Dillon did not want to be a fourth or fifth offensive weapon."
Brooks was apparently upset he had to accept a smaller offensive role in Memphis, believing he had more than that to his game. Dillon Brooks averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game with the Grizzlies last season. While one can easily sneer at Brooks' shot selection, you can't take away his defensive work ethic.
At the very least, the Rockets gained a shutdown defender and culture shifter in Dillon Brooks. Now, Brooks joins former Raptor Fred VanVleet in helping this young Rockets team win games, get organized, and mentor its young core.
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