Dillon Brooks’s fiery on-court persona has earned him the reputation of being one of the NBA’s most intense enforcers. Ryan Hollins, who played in the NBA before becoming an analyst for the Rockets, describes Brooks as a selfless leader who sets the tone behind the scenes.
“Dillon Brooks is one of the quietest, most respectful, and just all-around dope teammates you’re going to find,” Hollins told RG. “Behind the scenes, he’s incredibly patient and encouraging. He really takes care of his people.”
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Brooks averaged 14 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. However, these numbers only scratch the surface of his real impact in Houston.
Embracing the Full Dillon Brooks
Hollins believes Brooks flourished in Houston because the organization allowed him to be himself.
“They didn’t try to tone him down,” Hollins explained. “They said, ‘Go be yourself. Go win us games.’ And that paid off. He was arguably our best three-point shooter and our best defender.”
Brooks was able to lead with authenticity because of his freedom to play his brand of hard-nosed, in-your-face basketball and guide younger teammates off the court. Brooks, who was one of the league’s top wing defenders, consistently faced the toughest matchups and energized the Rockets with his unwavering effort.
Culture Setter and Tone-Definer
Brooks’ influence had an impact that went beyond just the stat sheet. His teammates had to elevate their own approach to match his intensity and preparation at the beginning of the season.
“Once they did, that’s when the Rockets turned a corner,” Hollins said. “Dillon set the tone. He raised the standard. And the rest of the team followed.”
A powerful line summarized Hollins’ summary of Brooks’ role in the Rockets’ evolving identity:
“Fred [VanVleet] is the offense, Dillon is the defense, and the culture is everything in between.”
That combination of offensive leadership and defensive tenacity became a defining feature of Houston’s season, indicating a shift from rebuilding to contending. Brooks was not only a role model, but also a catalyst for culture.
More Than Just a Tough Guy
Hollins stated that Brooks’ leadership is based on care, not conflict, even though he has a hard-nosed image.
“He’s not out here trying to be a villain. He’s just incredibly competitive,” Hollins said. “But when the cameras are off, he’s the guy encouraging rookies, checking in on teammates, and doing the little things that make a locker room stronger.”
Brooks has established a unique identity as a reliable two-way player and emotional anchor in a league that frequently emphasizes superstar numbers and highlight reels. Brooks’ influence is already reaping rewards as the Rockets continue to construct around their young core. Setting the tone for what winning basketball looks like requires more than just clutch shots or key stops.
“He raised the standard,” Hollins said simply. “And the Rockets followed.”
