Dillon Brooks has been a significant acquisition for the Houston Rockets. He joined the team on a four-year, $80 million deal in July and has played a vital role in helping Houston post a 7-1 record in March.
The success the Rockets have experienced with the veteran forward stems from the foundation Brooks built during his six-year tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies. And during his first two years with the franchise, Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff was at the helm of helping Brooks establish himself on an NBA level.
At the time, Brooks was a former Oregon prospect the Grizzlies traded for as the Rockets' second-round pick (No. 45 overall) in 2017.
"It was the chip on his shoulder, belief in himself and willingness to do whatever it took to succeed," Bickerstaff said. "I think that attitude and mentality allowed him to overcome a ton while making himself into the player he is today."
Bickerstaff watched Brooks used his earlier career teaching amid the Rockets' 117-103 victory over the Cavaliers Saturday night inside the Toyota Center. He finished with 12 points on 5 of 12 shooting from the field. However, Brooks' most significant impact came on the defensive end.
Fred VanVleet credited Brooks for helping the Rockets limit the production of Cleveland's All-Star backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, as they combined for a subpar 25 points on 9 of 26 shooting.
Brooks' contributions have led to the Rockets in the running for a late-season Play-In Tournament push. They are currently three games back in the loss column, trailing the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, who are currently the ninth and 10th seed, respectively.
"There was no situation where you could tell Dillon had a circumstance, he did not believe he could overcome," Bickerstaff said. "His ability to handle adversity and obstacles that are in his way. There was never going around the problem or excuses. He was going to attack the problem head-on, and I believe that's why he will always find a way to overachieve and out play people's expectations."
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