Dillon Brooks is a Canadian professional basketball player who stands out as a small forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on January 22, 1996, in Mississauga, Ontario, Brooks has built a career defined by intense defense, long-range shooting ability, and controversial moments on the court. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing approximately 225 pounds, he plays as a small forward or shooting guard, blending physical strength with agility. His basketball journey began early in Canada, leading him to American universities, NBA teams, and the Canadian national team. In 2025, Brooks embarked on a new chapter by joining the Phoenix Suns following trades that shook the league.
Early Life and Development
Dillon Brooks grew up in a sports-loving family in Mississauga, a city near Toronto. From a young age, he displayed a talent for basketball, influenced by Canada’s growing basketball culture and icons like Steve Nash. Brooks attended Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School in Toronto, where he began to shine in local competitions. His dedication led him to move to the United States, enrolling at the prestigious Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada. There, he honed his skills in a highly competitive environment, facing top-tier opponents and gaining attention from college recruiters.
During high school, Brooks developed an aggressive playing style, focusing on defense and fast-break offense. He was known for his relentless work ethic, putting in extra hours to improve his shooting and physical endurance. This period shaped his on-court persona: a fierce competitor unafraid to challenge any opponent. Friends and coaches from this time describe him as someone who never shied away from contact, a trait that would become a hallmark of his professional career. His transition to organized basketball in the U.S. prepared him for the challenges of the NCAA, where he truly emerged as a star.
College Career at the University of Oregon
In 2014, Brooks joined the University of Oregon to play for the Ducks under coach Dana Altman. As a freshman in the 2014-15 season, he made an immediate impact, averaging 28.3 minutes per game with 11.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His performance earned him a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. Brooks quickly adapted to the college game, showcasing versatility on both ends of the court.
In his sophomore season (2015-16), Brooks elevated his game, averaging 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 32.8 minutes. He led Oregon to the Pac-12 regular-season title and a top-10 national ranking, earning First-Team All-Pac-12 honors and Third-Team All-American recognition from Sporting News. His leadership was evident, inspiring teammates with clutch plays and tenacious defense. In his junior year (2016-17), he maintained his high level, averaging 16.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 25.3 minutes, winning Pac-12 Player of the Year and consensus Second-Team All-American honors.
Over three years at Oregon, Brooks played 109 games, averaging 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 28.9 minutes. His growth convinced him to declare for the 2017 NBA Draft, leaving Oregon as one of Canada’s top prospects. Experiences like the NCAA Tournament, including Sweet 16 appearances, forged his playoff mentality, preparing him for the professional stage.
NBA Career: From Grizzlies to Rockets
Brooks was selected 45th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets but was immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He signed a rookie contract and debuted in October 2017, scoring 19 points against the New York Knicks—a record for a Canadian in their NBA debut. With the Grizzlies from 2017 to 2023, Brooks became a key player. In his rookie season, he played all 82 games, averaging 11.0 points. He improved to 16.2 points in 2019-20 and 17.2 in 2020-21, signing a three-year, $35 million extension in 2020.
His time in Memphis was filled with highlights: a career-high 37 points against the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021 and a 25.8-point average in the 2021 playoffs against the Utah Jazz, including 31 points in Game 1. However, controversies arose, such as his ejection for a flagrant foul that fractured Gary Payton II’s elbow in 2022, resulting in a suspension. In 2023, he earned Second-Team All-Defensive honors, recognizing his elite defensive skills. Despite averaging 14.3 points in 2022-23, incidents like a punch to Donovan Mitchell and verbal jabs at LeBron James cemented his reputation as a league “villain.”
In July 2023, Brooks joined the Houston Rockets via a sign-and-trade. Over two seasons, he averaged 12.7 points in 2023-24 and 14.0 in 2024-25, with a career-best 40% three-point shooting in the latter, including a 10-three-pointer game against the Boston Celtics. In the 2025 playoffs, he contributed 12.3 points over seven games. His defense and leadership bolstered the Rockets, but in June 2025, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster seven-team deal that sent Kevin Durant and Jalen Green to Houston.
New Chapter with the Phoenix Suns
The trade to the Suns in July 2025 marked a fresh start for Brooks. Phoenix, seeking a “junior villain” to complement Devin Booker’s aggressive mindset, saw Brooks as a perfect fit. He reached out to Booker immediately after the trade, signaling excitement. During the September 2025 media day, Brooks expressed his desire to take more three-point shots and make a defensive impact, embracing his antagonist role for the 2025-26 season.
In preseason games, Brooks showcased his signature intensity: aggressive plays, fierce defense, and trash-talking, as seen in recent highlights where he provoked opponents. Analysts predict he’ll transform the Suns, adding leadership and shooting efficiency. With career averages of 14.2 points over 492 regular-season games (41.9% field goal, 35.5% three-point), Brooks could elevate Phoenix in the playoffs. His quick adaptation, paired with off-court ventures like investing in a Houston-based car wash startup, suggests growing maturity despite personal challenges.
Playing Style and Key Skills
Brooks is a versatile wing known for aggressive defense—leading to steals and blocks—and offensively for mid-range and long-range shooting. His 80.4% free-throw percentage reflects precision under pressure. In the playoffs, he shines, averaging 15.1 points over 29 games with 39.6% field goal accuracy. Physically strong, he uses his frame to create space, though his intensity sometimes leads to flagrant fouls and suspensions, as seen in incidents with Payton and James.
Defensively, he guards star wings, earning All-Defensive honors in 2023. Offensively, he thrives in fast breaks and pick-and-rolls. His “villain” mentality motivates rivals but makes him unpredictable. In 2024-25, his 55.5% True Shooting percentage showed efficiency, outpacing teammates like Jalen Green.
International Career with Team Canada
Representing Canada, Brooks won silver at the 2015 Pan-American Games. In 2022, he signed a three-year commitment to the senior national team. At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, he helped Canada secure bronze—their first global medal since 1936—scoring a Canadian-record 39 points in the bronze-medal game against the USA. Named the tournament’s Best Defensive Player, he was pivotal. In 2024, he competed at the Paris Olympics, further showcasing national pride.
Recent Updates and Personal Life
In 2025, alongside his trade to the Suns, Brooks faced personal challenges. In June, he sought a restraining order against his ex-girlfriend, Heather Andrews, alleging threats against him and his mother, following her similar request a year earlier. The couple, who met in 2018, share two children. Off the court, Brooks invested in Panda Hub, a mobile car detailing service, after using it in Houston.
In the 2025-26 preseason, Brooks debuted strongly for the Suns, excelling in defense and shooting. Media day videos and games highlight his confidence, with Booker praising his energy. Analysts view the Suns as contenders, with Brooks as a key piece in rivalries, like against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His consistency in starting 70+ games with the Rockets is valued, and he aims for more minutes in Phoenix.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Dillon Brooks continues to evolve as one of the NBA’s most impactful wings, blending talent, controversy, and Canadian pride. From Oregon to the Suns, his journey inspires young athletes. With the 2025-26 season ahead, Brooks promises more memorable moments, defending fiercely and scoring decisively. His future in the NBA and with Team Canada points to a lasting legacy in global basketball.
