5 Players the Memphis Grizzlies held onto for too long

2. Dillon Brooks

Brooks went from second-round draft pick to starter during his six years in Memphis. The 6’7 wing quietly became an elite defender that helped the Grizzlies make three straight playoff appearances, but it was everything else that kept Memphis from being a serious title contender.

Brooks believed he was one of the team’s best scorers, but his questionable shot selection held the Grizzlies back. He was always near the top of the league in technical fouls and the trash talk got the young team in trouble more than once. Brooks never developed as a passer or shooter, so he was just a plus-defender that scored inefficiently.

Dillon Brooks failed to accept his role with Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis tried to make him strictly a 3-and-D wing during his final season with the team, but Brooks was unhappy. He wanted more responsibilities and was not eager to play his role.

Dillon Brooks departed for the Houston Rockets in free agency on a four-year deal worth $86 million. The Grizzlies received Josh Christopher in a wild sign-and-trade, but they simply held onto Brooks too long. Someone would have given them a first-round draft pick in the summer of 2022, but Memphis stayed the course with belief that they could contend.