It there was on member of the Phoenix Suns who appeared to enjoy media day, it was Dillon Brooks. The 29-year-old cutting a relaxed figure as he talked about what he can bring to The Valley this coming season, as well as the near trade that would have brought him to Phoenix years ago.
The fit between player and team feels natural, with even Devin Booker putting the previous beef between the two behind them. This was an organization in dire need of a defender who has no problem using the dark arts to get by, to provide some steel to the roster. A villain if you will - although as Brooks himself revealed to the media - he is not the only one who has assumed that role.
Brooks refuses to reveal identity of "Villain Jr." on the roster.
The idea that Brooks has already discovered there is a player who is willing to join him on the dark side is a great development for the Suns. They need to make the Footprint Center a tough place to come and play for opponents as they try and make up for their lack of depth and elite talent with defensive schemes and in your face attitude. But who could the Riddler to Brooks' Joker be?
Dillon Brooks said there is a Villain Jr. he sees on the team and will leave it up to us to find out who it is.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) September 25, 2025
When I asked for a hint, he said, “Someone you wouldn’t expect.”
We think there are three choices here, but one can surely be eliminated right away because of the wording used. Grayson Allen already has a reputation as a dirty player in this league, and he has no problem getting physical. But he's also the same age as Brooks, and his use of the word "junior" does seem relevant here.
What about Oso Ighodaro then? During Summer League he used his large frame to bully people, and he's never been shy about being physical in the paint either. He's clearly put on some muscle - and although he wants to become a better shooter - the defensive end is where he is going to make a living in Phoenix. We're not ruling it out, but they're not our top choice.
Before revealing who we think Brooks is talking about, a special mention for Collin Gillespie. He could well be the player in question - he's both younger than Brooks at 26 and is incredibly scrappy - it is just hard to see him embracing that role so quickly. He was beloved by fans in Phoenix last season, while opponents talking about what a nightmare he was to face didn't happen often.
Which is why Ryan Dunn is surely the mystery man. Already a two-way menace who plays a similar position to Brooks and role on this roster, he can use his length to annoy opponents out on the perimeter all day. He looks like the perfect sidekick as he enters his second season in the league, and will surely learn a lot for Brooks. Until this is officially revealed though, their identity is unknown.