Dillon Brooks faced a lot of scrutiny last season when he represented the Memphis Grizzlies and hardly anyone expected him to receive a big offer heading into the new season in the 2023 free agency.
The Grizzlies made sure that they had no intention of re-signing Brooks. Fans joked that Brooks may end up playing in any overseas league. But to everyone’s surprise, Brooks inked a four-year $86 million deal as part of a sign-and-trade to the Houston Rockets in July.
Brooks now has revenge on his mind as he wants to perform his best against his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies. He also wants to perform his best for his new team, Houston Rockets heading into the 2023-24 season.
During the media day ahead of the new season, Brooks shared that he has a lot to prove in this new season for the Rockets. But he has shared that he has circled the games when they play against the Grizzlies.
“Big chip. That’s one of the games that’s circled on my list. We get to get them four times so it’s amazing.”
Brooks is known for his exceptional work ethic and the energy that he brings to the court. He wants to continue that for the Rockets. He wants that energy to be contagious throughout the team to help them move forward in the season.
“But I play hard regardless. It’s not even a chip no more. It’s just an everyday thing that I bring to my life and bring to basketball. I just want it to be contagious throughout the whole team, throughout the whole organization to strive and to be ready to get on this road, this journey,” Brooks added.
Brooks averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.0 3-pointers per game on 39.6% shooting over 73 games with Memphis last season.
During the media day, Grizzlies star Desmond Bane responded to Dillon Brooks circling his games against the Grizzlies. Bane said that he is glad that Brooks has circled them and feels that it will be a pleasure to compete against him heading into the new season.
“I’m glad that he’s got them circled. I’m looking forward to being there to compete against him and play against him. Being able to play against him will be fun and I wish him the best in his career,” Bane responded.