Dillon Brooks found comfort with Suns. Now he must find another level if they want to contend

PHOENIX — No matter how you feel about Dillon Brooks, his antics, theatrics and technical fouls, it’s difficult to dispute his worth in the Arizona desert. After a promising first season, the Phoenix Suns signed the veteran forward to a three-year contract extension worth $73 million this month. This is a marriage that’s worked out well so far.

At a media session Friday, Brooks said he feels comfortable here. He likes his fit with the Suns and appreciates the fan support, both in Mortgage Matchup Center and in the community. He’s a regular at Phoenix Mercury home games, and he’s hosting a youth basketball camp next month.

Brooks said he’s always felt like a fan favorite during an NBA career that’s included stints with the Memphis Grizzlies (six seasons) and Houston Rockets (two), but this feels different. “It’s kind of brought me back to the Oregon days,” Brooks said, referencing his three college seasons with the Ducks in the old Pac-12.

Devin Booker remains the face of the Suns — that’s not changing — but Brooks has become Shawn Marion to Booker’s Steve Nash. Not the star of the show, but an important sidekick, even when he takes the villainy too far, as Brooks did on occasion last season with a league-high 17 technical fouls.

For the Suns to take the next step and contend in the Western Conference, much has to happen. Booker, who turns 30 on Oct. 30, needs to show his best days are not behind him. (Magic 8 Ball reading: Outlook good.) Jalen Green has to stay healthy. (Magic 8 Ball: It is decidedly so.) Newcomer Miles Bridges must fit in. (You may rely on it.) Also, Brooks needs to change. He needs to be better. (Cannot predict now.)

That might sound odd considering Brooks had a career season last year. The Suns were at their best when he was on the court. When Brooks fractured his left hand against the Orlando Magic on Feb. 21, the Suns were 33-24 and in good position to avoid the Play-In Tournament. With Brooks sidelined five weeks, however, Phoenix slipped. The Suns dealt with other injuries, but they missed Brooks, their catalyst.

Dillon Brooks during the second half of the Suns game against the Lakers on February 26, 2026. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

In 56 games, Brooks averaged a career-best 20.2 points, showing an ability to take, and often make, big shots. His judgment, however, was not always the best.

Brooks’ habit of backing down his defender often stifled Phoenix’s ball movement and led to forced shots against an expiring shot clock. His 3-point accuracy also dipped, from nearly 40 percent in 2024-25 with the Houston Rockets to 34.4 last season. He also posted only 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

One contest that stood out: A Dec. 23 win over the Lakers. Brooks scored 25 points … but didn’t register a single rebound, assist, blocked shot or steal.

To truly be Marion to Booker’s Nash, he needs to contribute more.

The best part is Brooks seems to be aware of this. He’s among the league’s hardest workers, as much a fixture in the Phoenix practice facility as the hoops themselves. Asked where he needs to improve, Brooks said better 3-point accuracy would keep defenders honest, which could present more opportunities to attack the paint, where he feels he can thrive. He also said general manager Brian Gregory wants him to become a better passer and that he must finish better around the rim.

A contract extension can dull a player’s edge, especially in the second half of his career. Brooks said he’s seen it happen: a player gets so caught up in his situation that he gets blindsided by younger, hungrier players coming for his job. One thing he has learned: The NBA keeps getting better, year after year. Brooks said he’s not the type who will get distracted in such a way. He’s not content with money. The work may have gotten him the extension, but the extension was never the destination.

“I love basketball, so my reward would be a championship,” he said. “That always keeps my engine going.”

As he approaches his 10th season, Brooks was asked what he expected when he was taken in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft with the 45th pick. He said he just took it year by year. At first, Brooks just wanted to be a part of the starting five. Then he wanted to stay there throughout coaching and personnel changes. But winning was always the driving force. He said Phoenix is positioned to build upon last season’s 45 wins with their returners and the additions of Bridges and shooter Luke Kennard.

“I think we added some shooting, some spacing, some athleticism as well,” Brooks said. “We can interchange lineups. Miles helps out, acquiring him. And we get a little more youthful. I’m excited. Can’t wait to start.”