Dillon Brooks has earned a reputation as an NBA defensive stalwart, and his recent actions on the court have not gone unnoticed.

The 27-year-old small forward, known for his tenacious defense, joined the Houston Rockets this offseason and has made an immediate impact.

Despite this being a preseason, Brooks recently found himself in hot water, being fined $25,000 for an on-court incident during a preseason game.

Houston’s head coach, Ime Udoka, had high praise for Brooks. “Dillon’s been great,” he told Kelly Iko of The Athletic. “We want to challenge our younger guys to defend at a higher level, and I think bringing in the right personnel, the right veterans, has been crucial to that.

“Not only do they offer guidance to the younger players, but they also set the example on the court. Having these experienced players gives us versatility and raises the expectations of the whole group.”