For years, and even before this generation of players, the Memphis Grizzlies always took pride in their defense.
That’s why the fans love Dillon Brooks so much, as he won’t back down from any challenge and will put his body on the line on every single possession.
Once an overlooked player, Brooks has now gotten praise as one of the league’s finest backcourt stoppers.
Nonetheless, his teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. thinks he’s not just one of the best but actually the best defender in the Association:
“People just get to see it now because we’re on TV,” Jackson said of Brooks.
Jaren Jackson Jr. says Dillon Brooks is the best defender in the league and has been for some years now.
“People just get to see it now because we’re on TV.”
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) December 31, 2022
Notably, JJJ isn’t the only player on the team who thinks that.
Recently, Ja Morant also lauded Brooks for anchoring their defense while also putting up some points of his own:
“He’s the head of the snake on the defensive end for us,” Morant told the media. “Guards the best player, takes on that challenge every single day. What people don’t realize is how smart he is defensively and how much film he watches on the other team.”
Brooks, however, is unfazed by both the praise and the criticism.
“I don’t really care about what the analysts think,” Brooks said. “I guard my (expletive) off every single night. I give my heart out every single night. My guys can live with some of the shots I take. I’m learning and growing in that.”
But rival players aren’t that fond of Brooks’ antics and are also going to great lengths to give him their best night in and night out.
So, he better start putting his money where his mouth is.
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