Suns culture change may finally give Dillon Brooks what he’s always wanted

The Phoenix Suns have experienced a remarkable shift in ideology and identity in the span of just one season. After spending the past two years attempting to prove that a Big Three can still work in a depth-driven NBA, Phoenix abandoned the flailing strategy and went all in on the importance of team.

At the heart of the Suns' success has been polarizing wing Dillon Brooks, who may finally have the opportunity to settle in for the long haul with a franchise.

Brooks is currently on his third team in nine NBA seasons. He spent six years with the Memphis Grizzlies, but after a high-profile postseason loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23, moved on to join the Houston Rockets via a sign-and-trade over the summer.

After two seasons in Houston, Brooks was then sent to Phoenix as a part of the trade that saw the Suns officially end the Kevin Durant era.

The rundown of Brooks' career would thus suggest that he's something of a journeyman who can't stick in any one place. Those who have ignored the headlines made from his trash talking with superstar opponents, however, know that he's the type of player who should be able to find a steady residence.

Brooks is the epitome of a tone-setter who has changed cultures at multiple stops and deserves as much credit as he can receive for doing so once again in Phoenix.

Suns' Dillon Brooks finally has a team he can build a future with

When Brooks arrived in Houston for the 2023-24 campaign, the team had just finished a third consecutive season with at least 60 losses. To make matters worse, the Rockets ranked No. 29 in the NBA in defensive rating at an abhorrent 118.6.

After an offseason that saw Houston sign Brooks and Fred VanVleet, and draft Amen Thompson, the Rockets finished the 2023-24 season at No. 10 in defensive rating.

For those who question Brooks' impact in that regard, Thompson himself plainly stated that the veteran, "Helped change the culture over here," per Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Perhaps that should've been expected all along.

The Grizzlies continued to be a strong defensive team without Brooks, but ranked No. 2 in the NBA in defensive rating during his final season with the team and have since climbed no higher than No. 10.

Suns' Dillon Brooks has changed the culture—once again

Phoenix finished the 2024-25 season ranked No. 27 in the NBA in defensive rating. Though it's fair to note that injuries played a factor, the Suns never seemed to embrace the importance of consistent levels of energy and intensity on defense no matter who was or wasn't available.

Fast foward to 2025-26 and Phoenix is No. 7 in the NBA in defensive rating—with Brooks again leading the shift in ideology behind the scenes.

In addition to setting the tone with his top-tier defense and leadership, Brooks has taken a step forward on offense. He's averaging a career-high 21.1 points per game on .446/.360/.855 shooting, with a recent 40-point game against the 36-12 Detroit Pistons opening skeptical eyes.

In a development that few anticipated, Brooks played so well that he earned the Western Conference Player of the Week award.

With a vital role on offense, an invaluable place in the locker room as a leader, and a tone-setting presence on defense, Brooks should be with the Suns for the long run.