Over the past year or so, Dillon Brooks has gone from a defensive-minded team player in the NBA to a household name because he’s embraced the villain role and become one of the most hated players in the league.
The former Memphis Grizzlies star made a name for himself last season as a pest that no one liked to play against, especially during the NBA playoffs when he went up against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.
Brooks became a menace on and off the court for the Grizzlies, as he tried to get under James’ skin, which seemed to work at times and ultimately backfired badly.
Despite his on-court antics getting a lot of attention and his arrogant statements after games, Brooks seems to have found his place in the league, and as a result, he recently signed a four-year, $80 million deal with the Houston Rockets.
After a stellar performance for Canada on Sunday, dropping 39 points on Team USA to win bronze at the FIBA World Cup, Brooks is officially trying to follow in the footsteps of Kobe Bryant by adopting an on-court persona, according to ClutchPoints via NBA Central.
Dillon Brooks dropped 39 points on Team USA in the bronze medal game
“It’s just like Kobe Bryant… He had to figure out how to create the Black Mamba, a different persona when he comes on the court. I guess that’s my persona—The Villain.”
(h/t @ClutchPoints ) pic.twitter.com/2CkAlrtyeC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 10, 2023
Brooks was virtually unstoppable in this game against the Americans as he led the way for Canada with a game-high 39 points to go along with seven made three-pointers.
The defensive-minded forward proved that he could get it done offensively as well, which was the last thing the Americans thought they’d see as Anthony Edwards and company went home empty-handed after being the favorites to win the FIBA World Cup.
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Dillon Brooks Wanted To Play Against Former Grizzlies Teammate In World Cup
