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Dillon Brooks throws subtle jab at Grizzlies during FIBA World Cup

ByMark Nilon|
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

This summer saw a number of shakeups executed for the better by the Memphis Grizzlies organization, with one of the most noteworthy of the bunch being their decision to part ways with long-tenured wing, Dillon Brooks.

After an incredibly inefficient regular season campaign on the offensive side of the ball that was subsequently followed up by a highly scrutinized matchup against LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers during their round one playoff exit, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported early in the offseason that the front office was not planning on bringing back the impending free agent “under any circumstances.”

To their credit, Zach Kleiman and company stuck to their word, as they wound up partaking in a sign-and-trade exchange that sent Brooks outbound to the Houston Rockets.

Since the transaction, many have praised the Grizzlies for their willingness to move on from the 27-year-old and their ability to replace his intensity on the less glamorous side of the ball with the acquisition of former Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart.

Following his departure, however, Brooks has been found on a few occasions throwing what many perceive as shade at his former employers.

Recently, after Canada’s September 3 triumph over top-seeded Spain to qualify for the quarterfinals during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the small forward was seemingly at it again when it comes to making personal digs, as he voiced his thoughts on the challenges that he faced during his final season in Grind City.

Dillon Brooks takes subtle jab at Memphis Grizzlies during FIBA World Cup

"“Coming off a tough year with [the Memphis Grizzlies], it was great having a refresh with Canadian blood. Guys who believe in me. Guys who trust in me. And we figured out how to win this game in a great fashion,” Brooks wrote."

Despite earning a prestigious All-Defensive selection in 2022-23, Brooks’ final year with the Grizzlies has been and will, unfortunately, continue to be remembered by his “bear-poking” backfire during the club’s one-and-done postseason matchup against the Lakers, where his bark proved to be far more active than his bite.

He would go on to finish the year with per-game averages of 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, though shot an abysmal 39.6 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from deep.

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