Dylan Brooks antagonizes Lakers star LeBron James Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Dillon Brooks' 'villain persona' is tailor made for Ime Udoka's coaching style

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 9/10/23

Dillon Brooks made headlines at the FIBA World Cup when he dropped 39 points against Team USA in the battle for third place.

Speaking after his game-winning performance, Brooks noted how he plays a "villain" role. Brooks' comments came after loud boos were directed his way after the contest had finished.

"It's just a persona, people love it," Brooks said. "I've grown to loving myself. It's just like Kobe Bryant, he had to figure out how to create the Black Mamba, a different persona when he comes on the court. I guess that's my persona, The Villain, just on the court. I'm a loving, caring guy who love my kids, love my family, love my teammates. Just love the world as well."

Dillon Brooks dropped 39 points on Team USA in the bronze medal game

"It's just like Kobe Bryant... He had to figure out how to create the Black Mamba, a different persona when he comes on the court. I guess that's my persona—The Villain."

(h/t @ClutchPoints ) pic.twitter.com/2CkAlrtyeC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 10, 2023

Brooks made headlines for all the wrong reasons earlier this summer. The Memphis Grizzlies announced, via The Athletic's Shams Charania, that Brooks would not be returning to the franchise. Brooks is now with the Houston Rockets.

Another new face in Houston is former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka. During his lone season in Boston, Udoka earned a reputation for favoring hard-nosed basketball. The Rockets new coach wants his team to embrace physicality. To be the "bad guys."

Brooks will slide right into Udoka's philosophy. The Canadian star doesn't care if people don't like him. He has thrived in his role as an agitator. Brooks is more than an annoyance, though. The former Grizzlies wing is also a valuable two-way player.

Houston's young roster will benefit from the influx of leadership Brooks and Udoka will bring. The Rockets will also be a better team, with Brook's absorbing some of their shot attempts. A significant part of succeeding in the NBA is a player's fit on a team's roster or within a coach's system.

Brook's couldn't have landed in a better situation. Udoka and Brooks will mesh well and the Rockets will reap the benefits.

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