Canada’s Dillon Brooks reacts during the FIBA Basketball World Cup game for third place between USA and Canada in Manila on September 10, 2023. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by JAM STA ROSA has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [—] instead of [—]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.” (Photo by JAM STA ROSA/AFP via Getty Images)
On Sunday, a reeling Team USA faced off against Canada in the bronze medal game, hoping to salvage their disappointing World Cup with a third-place finish. Instead, Team USA was again upset, for the third time in four games, and an unlikely and unlikable player proved to be their undoing. Former second-round pick Dillon Brooks has made a name for himself in the NBA thanks to his stellar defensive ability and public persona as a trash talker.
As a result, he is widely disliked; he even ranks as the least popular NBA player. However, that didn’t stop him from going off against Team USA and serving as the villain yet again. Brooks dropped 39 points on the United States’ head, kicking an already reeling Team USA in the teeth as they crawled around looking for their mouthguard.
That performance, along with his elite perimeter defense, helped Canada win the bronze medal and give Brooks the title of Best Defensive Player of the FIBA World Cup.
Dillon Brooks can build on his strong World Cup play with the Houston Rockets next season.
After spending the first six seasons of his career in Memphis, Dillon Brooks signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Houston Rockets. While that still seems like a bit of an overpay, he does give the Rockets a starting small forward and an elite defender who can help change their culture. Since star James Harden demanded a trade during the 2020-21 season, the Rockets have been the worst team in basketball, and their defense has been their biggest issue.
Brooks will certainly help there, giving them a player to throw at the LeBron James and Kevin Durants of the world. That could single-handedly help take them out of the basement of the NBA by getting their defensive rating closer to respectability. Especially if his defensive effort rubs off on his younger teammates.
Ultimately, Dillon Brook’s strong showing at the World Cup proves that he can back up his talk in a big way. Moreover, if he can play anywhere near the level he played for Canada, he could quickly prove to be a good signing for the Rockets.
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Author: Cal Durrett
September 11, 2023 | 12:00 pm
