Dillon Brooks became the guy everybody loves to hate in today’s NBA.
He embraced that villain persona — except in the playoffs — and talked his way into a huge contract with the Houston Rockets.
His toughness was on full display during Canada’s huge win over Slovenia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, getting into Luka Doncic’s face and frustrating him from start to finish.
Following the elimination, the Dallas Mavericks star had no choice but to tip his hat off to Brooks, lauding him for playing “great” and very physical against him (via Naveen Ganglani).
Luka Doncic comments on the officiating of today’s game against Canada and how Dillon Brooks played against him/Slovenia #fibawc pic.twitter.com/cIREeQ2ioz
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) September 6, 2023
Doncic has often struggled against physical defenders, and today was no exception.
His usual efficiency was nowhere to be found, and he couldn’t seem to get his shot to fall when Brooks was the closest defender.
The Canadian hounded him all over the court, and he made sure to get under his skin.
Brooks was eventually ejected for talking and taunting, and Doncic followed him shortly after for all the complaining he did.
Some thought Brooks’ days in the NBA were numbered after Shams Charania reported that the Memphis Grizzlies wouldn’t bring him back under any circumstances.
His antics and poor play in the playoffs didn’t do much to save his reputation either, but he was still one of the biggest winners of free agency.
At the end of the day, it’s clear that Brooks doesn’t care whether he’s loved or hated, and while he might not be the most popular player in the league, every team needs a guy like him.
NEXT: Fans React To Luka Doncic, Dillon Brooks Being Ejected
