Memphis Grizzlies: Dillon Brooks Links Present to Future

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 6: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 6, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 6: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 6, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 12: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Houston Rockets during a pre-season game on October 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 12: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Houston Rockets during a pre-season game on October 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies are an NBA franchise attempting to build for both the present and future at once. No player better exemplifies that than sophomore swingman Dillon Brooks.

Dillon Brooks came relatively out of nowhere last season for the Memphis Grizzlies. Drafted out of Oregon with 2017’s 45th-overall pick, Brooks became a regular two-way catalyst, albeit in a tanking clunker of a campaign.

After a character-rich summer, Brooks now sets his sights on helping Memphis ascend. Stakes and expectations are both high for the 2018-19 Grizzlies, and Dillon figures to play a key role in their development.

If Memphis bounces back to the NBA Playoffs, they have a solid mix of young and veteran talent to sustain them for the next few years. If they fail to return to their perennial competitive status, it could be time to cue a full-on rebuild.

Regardless, Dillon Brooks is a pivotal piece no matter this season’s end result. As a proven contributor with upside yet to realize, Brooks will be crucial to both the Memphis Grizzlies’ short- and long-term outlook. With a focus on the now, Beale Street Bears breaks down how his potential impact for the 2018-19 season.