As we begin the season, let’s evaluate each player on the Memphis Grizzlies. How will rookie Dillon Brooks perform this season?
Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks rookie year will most likely begin on the bench.
That isn’t a bad thing for a rookie second-round draft pick either.
Brooks, a native of Canada, could hold down the 12th spot on the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies opening night, because of Ben McLemore’s injury more than anything else. With Troy Daniels already traded to Phoenix, Brooks may be the beneficiary of one of the best seats in the house on Opening night.
That doesn’t mean Brooks should be expected to see action — unless the game is already lost.
The 6’6” wing man from Oregon is considered a marginal prospect at best by fivethirtyeight.com, but that hasn’t stopped Memphis Grizzlies fans from getting excited about the former Oregon star. Many fans expect Brooks to have the greatest impact among all rookies after a solid Summer League (which included a 24-point performance).
Why?
Why he could make an impact
Brooks has numerous strengths that can help the Grizzlies. One of his strongest strengths is the ability and confidence to take big shots especially last in games. Also, Brooks is extremely competitive. That emotional style sometimes got him into trouble but should find loyal fan support in a city that loved Tony Allen despite his similar flaws.
Brooks made a name for himself at Oregon as a sophomore, leading the Ducks to the PAC 12 title and a top-10 national ranking. He came back for his junior season but broke a bone in his foot over the summer. Despite seeing fewer minutes, Brooks still improved in nearly every offensive category. As a result, Brooks won conference Player of the Year and was also named a second team All-American.
In the Summer League, Brooks started slowly trying to find his place with the team, but his play improved every game. He averaged 12.2 PPG over the stretch (behind only Wayne Selden and Wade Baldwin). He shot 46.6 percent from the field with 3.7 RPG and 1.7 APG and wasn’t afraid of taking the big shot.
Considered a defensive question mark coming out of college, Brooks also grabbed 1.5 steals per game — which was very encouraging. How Brooks translates his game from a small college power forward to a legitimate wing player in the NBA will go along way in determining his future career success.
Weaknesses
Brooks has weaknesses that need to be addressed, which may lead to him playing for the Memphis Hustle more than the Grizzlies this season.
First, Brooks needs to develop better ball control. Under Coach Fizdale’s offense players are expected to be able to handle the ball. Brooks needs to become more comfortable handling the ball.
Secondly, Brooks needs to continue to develop his perimeter shot. He did improve his 3-point shooting to 40 percent as a junior. He does have a quick release — which should help in the NBA — but he needs to become a consistent threat from 3-point range.
Finally, Brooks has to learn to defend the perimeter. Brooks has a short wing span (for an NBA player). That will make it difficult for him to be an elite defender but he can be solid. That will mean channeling his inner drive to stay in front of quicker men.
Next: Brooks on Lonzo, Fultz, Second Round
Brooks’ has a developing perimeter game, a fiery competitive nature and a big-shot mentality. He can become a solid NBA player (possibly even a starter one day) despite his physical limitations.