Dillon Brooks defends his villain reputation
Provocations, defense and a mindset that has made him one of the NBA’s most talked-about players: Dillon Brooks opens up about his relationship with the villain label
Dillon Brooks does not seem interested in shedding his “villain” label. In fact, the Phoenix Suns player explained that behind that image, often associated with his provocations and physical style of play, there is a part of his personality that can also be interpreted in a positive way.
Brooks spoke with Doug Haller of The Athletic during a camp organized for young players at the Arizona Athletic Grounds, about 40 miles from Phoenix. The event gave him a chance to explain how he views a reputation that, in his opinion, does not necessarily paint a complete picture of who he is.
As human beings, we have a good side and a side that’s a little bad, a little villain-like. It’s always about balance, but I think people can relate to that
Dillon Brooks
Brooks then explained that the term “villain” does not necessarily have to carry a negative meaning.
A villain doesn’t always have to be bad. There’s good in it too. There’s hard work, the determination to be the best at what you do. I try to instill that mindset in myself and show it in a different way
Dillon Brooks
Brooks’ reputation, after all, has become almost an integral part of his identity on the court, and among the young players attending his camp, it seems to be precisely his attitude that stands out. At the start of the event, the Suns player brought back his famous stare-down, the same one he often directs at opponents such as LeBron James and the Golden State Warriors, this time in front of the kids at the camp.
Joseph Harb, 15, who came from San Diego with his parents after a trip of about six hours, explained that he went to the event specifically to meet him.
Every team needs a villain. On top of that, he brings the defensive mentality every team needs. He’d be the kind of player you’d never want to play against
Salomon Silverio, father of one of the children attending the camp
Off the court, Brooks also continues to pursue interests that reflect his curiosity and his desire to challenge himself. He recently spent ten days in China, where he also had the opportunity to get into kung fu.
I got to see a lot of new things and learn about things I wanted to understand better. Every day I was in a different city. The people and the fans were amazing
Dillon Brooks
The toughness, competitive mindset and “villain” attitude he brings to the court therefore seem to have won over a new generation of young fans as well. For Brooks, being the “bad guy” does not necessarily mean representing something negative: it can also be a way to convey determination, hard work and competitiveness.