Grizzlies star issues strong statement on ex-teammate Dillon Brooks

Dillon Brooks’ name has been frequently found circulating throughout the news cycle since departing from the Memphis Grizzlies via sign-and-trade with the Houston Rockets this summer. However, the links have oft been somewhat controversial and, in some cases, have seemingly included subliminal shots taken at his former teammates.

That said, his latest inclusion has broken such a trend, as Jaren Jackson Jr. spoke candidly on “Podcast P with Paul George” about the former Grizzlies forward, praising him for his on-court contributions, particularly his defensive abilities.

During his appearance, Paul George would at one point note that while he respects Dillon Brooks for “never backing down” on the hardwood, ultimately, he acknowledged that he’s “not a fan of the antics sh*t,” likely referring to his widely known trash talking.

The Grizzlies star, however, came to the defense of his former teammate, suggesting that his in-game persona isn’t just an act, as Brooks is the same way in practice and said regarding his perception: “Whatever you can do to get the job done it’s not going to matter how it ended up looking.”

He would continue to pour cold water on the “antics” moniker, as he delved into the fact that “players are so good” in the league and pointed out a very in-depth philosophy regarding the wing’s defensive efforts.

"“You think he’s going to regularly guard them like everybody else in the league is guarding them, look at the scouting report and just say ‘ok, I’m going to go out there and try my best’? No, lean on them, push them, bump them, get in his head before the game, after the game. Make sure he is thrown off at any cost because we need to win this game.”"

Despite his last showing in a Memphis uniform where he attempted to get into the head of LeBron James during the club’s first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers — something that ultimately back-fired and was discussed later in the podcast –, Dillon Brooks has proven himself to be a top-flight defensive contributor throughout his six-year professional career.

From an accolades standpoint, 2022-23 proved to be his best on the less glamorous side of the ball, as he ended the campaign earning second-team all-defense honors, joining the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in Jaren Jackson Jr. (All-Defensive First Team) as the only other Grizzlies player to be acknowledged in such a way for their efforts during the season.

3 starting small forward options for Grizzlies heading into 2023-24

The Memphis Grizzlies must look to these three individuals in an effort to replace Dillon Brooks at the starting small forward position.