Dillon Brooks on work ethic behind Suns turnaround

Jan 17, 2026 1:53 PM

In an ESPN.com feature, Tim MacMahon explores how veteran wing Dillon Brooks has helped redefine team culture and competitiveness in both Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns after his abrupt departure from the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2023 offseason.

Brooks said doubts about his long-term future in the league became fuel rather than a setback.

“I felt like a lot of people counted me out, thinking I was just going to wash away with the rest of NBA players that had their shine and then were not able to figure out how to evolve and be able to stay in this league,” Brooks said.

“I didn’t want to fall off. I didn’t want to call it where I got to go either overseas or chill at home or change my whole career point. I love this game, and I play it because I really love it. I knew that I had to put in the work to be better every single day.”

That approach has paid dividends in Phoenix, where Brooks’ intensity and two-way play have helped spark a dramatic turnaround.

After finishing last season 36-46, the Suns now sit at 24-17, with his work ethic setting a standard that teammates consistently reference.

Guard Collin Gillespie highlighted Brooks’ daily commitment as contagious.

“He’s in the gym more than anybody that I know,” Gillespie said. “You see how hard he works, how competitive he is, and you want to not let your teammate down when you see that.”

Suns owner Mat Ishbia echoed that sentiment, praising Brooks’ leadership and toughness as foundational to the team’s identity.

“He’s exactly the type of player [who fits] what we talk about here in Phoenix,” Ishbia said. “We wanted Dillon, and he’s been even better than expected.”