In the cacophony of high-profile names that dominate the Houston Rockets lineup, it’s easy for Dillon Brooks’ contribution to get overlooked. However, as the Rockets continue to make their mark in the 2025 season, it’s time to shine a spotlight on Brooks, an unsung hero whose impact is far more substantial than it appears on the surface.
Brooks, the Rockets’ small forward, may not be a product of the team’s draft pick haul during the first half of this decade, but his addition has been instrumental. Now in his second year with the Rockets, Brooks is proving his worth on the court and is steadily becoming an unshakeable pillar for the team.
The 29-year-old Brooks, who celebrated his birthday last month, has been consistently delivering impressive performances, averaging 13.6 points per game. His sharp shooting prowess is evident, with over 38 percent successful shots from beyond the arc – an improvement of about three percentage points compared to last year. This incremental enhancement in Brooks’ performance has made a significant difference for the Rockets in the longer term.
An interesting facet of Brooks’ career is his playoff experience during his stint with the Memphis Grizzlies. This experience could play a pivotal role as the Rockets strive for a competitive edge this season. The team is currently battling for homecourt advantage in the initial round of the playoffs, a position Brooks is familiar with. During his final two seasons with the Grizzlies, the team secured the second spot in the Western Conference playoff race. Intriguingly, the Grizzlies slipped back into the lottery the year Brooks departed.
While the Grizzlies are making their way back into the Western mix, the Rockets also remain in the thick of things. To maintain their standing, they’ll be relying heavily on Brooks’ playoff experience and his 3-point shooting capabilities, which could potentially extend Houston’s run in the competition.
Brooks’ story is a testament to the fact that not all heroes wear capes – some wear Rockets jerseys. His contribution may not make the headlines as often, but his role is essential in keeping the Rockets’ journey on course.