Dillon Brooks Ready to Lead Houston Rockets’ Defensive Identity Shift

Dillon Brooks is unfazed by the rush to catch the first bus; he’s more focused on his role as the Houston Rockets’ defensive lynchpin. After a stellar defensive display for Canada at the World Cup, including limiting Luka Dončić to 8-of-20 shooting, Brooks looks forward to playing under Rockets’ new head coach Ime Udoka.

Dončić, post-game, voiced his respect despite the physicality: “A lot of people don’t like him, but I respect him for what he does.”

In Houston, Brooks’ leadership will be pivotal. The Rockets, formerly known for their offense, are prioritizing defense under Udoka. “They just needed more on the defensive end,” Brooks told Yahoo Sports.

With a new $86 million contract from Houston, Brooks is prepared for a leadership role. “Just having a positive mindset, knowing that it’s gonna be a transition day by day,” he said.

For Brooks, changing his defensive approach is not on the agenda. “I bring a different type of defense with my IQ and how physical I play,” he concludes.