Mike Conley, the former big brother and current rival on the court, also praised his little brother, "When he was still a rookie, he won the respect of everyone on the team at the beginning of the season and training camp. He would always arrive early to practice or watch before practice. We have all seen the video, and a rookie with this kind of mentality can easily integrate into the team." Conely said, "It's a pity that we are on opposite sides now. When we are opponents, we will definitely hate him to death, but when he is a teammate, you will Love him to death." Read on
"I want to prove myself every day. Whether it is a game or training, I will arrive an hour or two early. I believe that my ability and discipline will allow me to seize opportunities." Brooks said, "I know the limits of my ability, but I hope to be able to Just keep pushing the envelope until I get there and see how far I can go."
However, Brooks only played 18 games due to injury in the second season of his career. In 2019, he moved his thumb on his right foot and was reimbursed for the entire season. In the same year, he was exposed for smoking marijuana on the street, which shook the team's confidence in Brooks. However, injuries and off-field turmoil also taught this fighting-dog player a lesson. "I watched a lot of games during the injury, and some things happened, which made me realize that I must become a professional player, and the game is not only Just on the court, I have to keep a humble heart and not take everything I get for granted.”
After Brooks was reprimanded by the team, he chose to spend more time in the gym and court, and chose to join the summer league with Ja Morant andJaren Jackson Jr.After practicing together, the Grizzlies also established a formation with these three young players as the main core. Morant and Jaren Jackson are the cornerstones, and Brooks' versatility on both offense and defense is the most suitable for the top green leaves.
If you want to talk about who among the Grizzlies' young players can best carry the grit-and-grind team's signature, Brooks is definitely the number one choice. Brooks' iron-blooded defense is like a reappearance of the Grizzlies' trademark in the past. He has been responsible for taking care of the opponent's ace players since college. Brooks said that his favorite thing on the court is to lock the opponent's ace players, and the Grizzlies have been defensive in the direction of a big lock from the beginning. Nurture him.
Brooks' main task in the game is to relieve Morant's defensive pressure. He once guarded Trail Blazers ace Damian Lillard in the game with a shooting percentage of less than 40% and could not find the rhythm of the game. In the playoffs against the Warriors, Brooks relied on Brooks throughout the game. By sticking to Stephen Curry and keeping him out of the team, the Grizzlies can hope to make the playoffs.
Brooks' method of training defense is to find strategies from the film. "When you watch the game, you will find patterns and habits. This is a way to improve your golf intelligence." Brooks used the example of playing against the Greek monster Giannis Antetokounmpo, "I am not fast or agile. , but I can use my advantages to formulate strategies. I know that his shooting is not as good as cutting, so I keep colliding with him and letting him make difficult shots."
In addition to defense, another advantage of Brooks is staying calm at all times. Former Grizzlies star player Marc Gasol was also surprised by his calmness. "He is very calm, not like a rookie at all. He has both calmness and combativeness, and he is very good off the court." He works hard and trains hard. These are the potentials of great players." Conely, another leader, was also impressed by this. "What impressed me most about him is that he is very calm. As a newcomer, at critical moments or In the fourth quarter, whether he was holding the ball or shooting, he didn't panic at all, he was very calm, which is what I like most about him."
This calmness is also reflected in Brooks' offensive end. He is the Grizzlies' most powerful cutting and running without the ball. "I like to constantly observe the defensive formation and then see where there are opportunities to shoot or cut."
Brooks understands that he is very lucky. Many times, success in the NBA depends not only on talent or skills, but also on whether he gets the opportunity and whether he seizes the opportunity. "No matter which team you are on, it is the same. Opportunities are fleeting. You must be ready at any time. Only God knows when the opportunity will come." Brooks said, "Injured soldiers may appear suddenly, and the coach may have an idea and be unprepared. If you do well, you will miss the opportunity. Even before entering the NBA, everyone has constantly emphasized this point. The most important thing in any professional sport is the ability to grasp opportunities. There may only be one or two opportunities, and whoever can grasp them will be able to gain a foothold."
Understanding his position and working harder than others is what makes Brooks better than many young players. "In the last two years of college, I was either practicing or retraining every day. I knew I would not be like in college. He is a star player. If he wants to play at a higher level, he must prove that he is worthy." Brooks said, "I am not a talented freshman discarded student, and I have never had media coverage, but give me time and I can prove it. Own."
In addition to Brooks, this season Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, Grayson Allen and Xavier Tillman all emulate the "Grit & Grind" culture of the Grizzlies. They are also not the most talented players, but they are definitely the most daring to fight.
Brooks signed a three-year, $35 million contract with the Grizzlies last year. Although he is only 26 years old, "Dillon" with both fighting spirit and offensive and defensive capabilities is definitely an important figure in the new generation of Grizzlies.
