The Houston Rockets made the biggest trade in the offseason when they acquired Kevin Durant. As part of that trade, they had to ship Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green to the Suns. Now, the Rockets are one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
Houston sits at third in the Western Conference standings. Surprisingly, they have the second-best offense in the NBA. Last season with Brooks and Green on the team, they were 12th. It has been a massive change without too much change in their defense.
Brooks has thrived in Phoenix and is playing some of the best basketball of his career. As Brooks gets set to take on the Rockets for the first time in Houston since the trade, Brooks has just one thing on his mind: winning the game.
GettyDillon Brooks celebrates. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Former Rockets Player Dillon Brooks Wants Rockets to Regret Trade
While talking ahead of the Suns’ matchup with the Rockets, Brooks was asked what it meant to be back in Houston.
“Feels good, feels like home. A lot of people have said ‘what’s up’. Friendly cheers. I’m ready to play the game.”
He was also asked about the opposing fanbase that still appreciates him and what will be on his mind during the game.
“Win the game. We have a tough stretch coming up. We’re in a tough stretch right now. Scratch and claw for every win we get.
When asked if he still carries the fact that he was traded away from Houston, he made it very clear that he does.
“When I come here, for sure. But it’s just part of the process. I’m with Phoenix, great home, great fans, great city, and we’re changing stuff here.”
GettyDillon Brooks drives the ball. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Dillon Brooks and Houston Are Better Without Each Other
Houston is one of the best teams in the NBA now that it has made this trade for Durant. The Rockets still have the second-best defense in the league. Adding Durant has really improved the offense, especially in the half-court. Houston also has one of the best rebounding teams the league.
Brooks has the highest true shooting percentage of his career so far with the Suns. His defensive rating is the highest it’s ever been, as well. Brooks has always been known as a really good defensive player throughout his career, and his perimeter defense is one of the best assets he brings to the table.
Ultimately, the Rockets and Brooks are better off without each other. Brooks spent two seasons with the Rockets after being traded by the Grizzlies. With the Suns, he is an integral part of the team. He is being used the best possible way on this team, something that wasn’t always the case in Houston.
The Rockets are title contenders with the way they are currently constructed, even with the preseason injury to Fred VanVleet. The team is still chasing Oklahoma City, as everyone else in the NBA is.
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