Dillon Brooks welcomes villian identity during Phoenix Suns 2025 media day

Brooks mentioned early that it was a bittersweet feeling leaving Houston, as he was leaving a Rockets team that he felt he built up alongside Fred VanVleet. Although, Brooks was genuinely excited and grateful at the fact that another team wanted him for who he is. Elaborating on how much that meant to him, Brooks spoke on how the Suns are ready for him to continue to embrace the villain role.

Whether it’s staring people down after altercations, which comes from his love of boxing and the talents and antics of Mike Tyson, or going hard in practice, Brooks realized he brings an intensity that is unmatched around the NBA. One of the mind games Brooks knows is that once he gets into a player’s head, he can affect their play on the court. Devin Booker mentioned earlier in the day that Brooks is one of the guys that you dread having to play against, though love it when he is a part of your roster. Booker also highlighted that Brooks has been working in the Suns’ training facility tirelessly, with the same intensity he is known for.

Ending his Q&A, Brooks wanted Suns fans to know his lasting commitment to the community. He wants to give back to struggling communities around the Phoenix area, alongside working with aspiring youth basketball players around the city. Brooks’ dedication to the Suns in more ways than one, with off-the-court community work, the training camp sessions day in and night out, and the intense, gritty mindset to bring the Suns that they have been missing, is sure to turn heads in Phoenix.