Dillon Brooks’ Breakout Season Draws Praise From Draymond Green and Peers

Dillon Brooks has long been known for his competitiveness, but his emergence as a major contributor in Phoenix has shifted the conversation about his overall impact. The 28-year-old forward is delivering one of the best seasons of his career, helping to stabilize a Suns team seeking consistency in the Western Conference. His blend of defensive toughness and renewed offensive productivity has sparked comparisons to some of the league’s most influential emotional leaders.

Those comparisons intensified after DeMarcus Cousins publicly credited Brooks for elevating Phoenix during several key performances. Cousins likened his mentality and intensity to players such as Draymond Green, Marcus Smart, and even Dennis Rodman — a group defined by defensive excellence, attitude, and edge. While those parallels sparked debate, they also underscored how Brooks’ reputation continues to evolve.

Green himself weighed in on the discussion, offering candid commentary on Brooks’ ceiling. Though the Warriors forward admitted he “wasn’t sold” earlier in Brooks’ career, he now sees a more complete player capable of earning higher recognition if he maintains his current production. Green’s perspective, delivered on his self-titled show, added legitimacy to the growing belief that Brooks may be taking a substantial leap.

As Brooks continues to carve out a bigger role with the Suns, the conversation around his potential accolades has intensified. Whether he can sustain this level of play remains to be seen, but his first few months in Phoenix have already positioned him for the most impactful season of his career.

1. Brooks’ Offensive Growth

Brooks’ offensive development has been central to the Suns’ early-season success. Averaging 22.3 points per game, he is scoring more efficiently than at any point in his career. His 45.9% shooting from the field reflects improved shot selection and confidence, especially within Phoenix’s pace-and-space system. While his 31% mark from three remains modest, it has been high enough to force defenses to respect him, opening driving lanes and mid-range opportunities. Phoenix has trusted him with a greater scoring load, and Brooks has responded by attacking mismatches and finishing plays late in the shot clock. His willingness to step into a prominent offensive role has helped balance a roster often dependent on its stars. In several key games, Brooks has delivered momentum-changing stretches that energize the team at both ends. Those performances are part of what has prompted players like Cousins to argue that he deserves more league-wide recognition. Green echoed that sentiment, noting that Brooks’ skill development has elevated him beyond the “defensive specialist” label he carried in Memphis and Houston. The combination of consistency and assertiveness has strengthened his case for broader acknowledgment.

2. Comparing Brooks to the League’s Emotional Anchors

Brooks’ toughness and on-court persona have long defined how opponents perceive him, but teammates and coaches value those qualities in a different way. Cousins’ comparison placing Brooks alongside Green, Smart, and Rodman highlights the importance of identity players who influence games through energy as much as production. Green, while hesitant to place Brooks in that tier just yet, acknowledged the foundation is there. He pointed out that Brooks has only one All-Defense selection so far, a gap he believes must close before such comparisons fully stick. Still, Green praised Brooks’ willingness to take on the toughest assignments and embrace uncomfortable moments. In Green’s view, Brooks serves as the “heart” of the Suns — a responsibility that often falls to players who compete with an edge and set the emotional tone for their teams. That role mirrors what Green has provided for Golden State for the past decade. Brooks’ evolution from a polarizing defender to a more complete contributor reinforces why some see him joining the league’s tradition of disruptive, high-impact role leaders. Whether the accolades follow remains a question, but the reputation shift is well underway.

3. What Comes Next for Brooks

Phoenix’s success this season will depend heavily on whether Brooks can maintain his current level of play. His strong start provides a foundation, but consistency across an 82-game season is what ultimately defines high-level contributors. Green emphasized that Brooks’ path to All-Star consideration requires him to “keep this up.” As the Suns navigate injuries and lineup adjustments, Brooks’ reliability has become increasingly important. His defensive presence remains a constant, but his offensive growth adds a new layer to Phoenix’s flexibility. That versatility could make him one of the team’s most valuable pieces as the year progresses. The broader NBA community is also watching to see how Brooks handles elevated expectations. After years of being characterized for his intensity more than his production, he now faces the challenge of merging the two into a complete player identity. Awards speculation will likely continue, but for now, Brooks’ focus remains on sustaining Phoenix’s momentum and proving that his early-season surge is not a temporary spike. The coming months will determine whether his breakout becomes a defining step forward in his career.