4x NBA All-Star Puts Dillon Brooks In Elite Defender Category With Draymond Green And Dennis Rodman

Dillon Brooks (Image Credits: Imagn)

Dillon Brooks’ name is back at the center of NBA talk after a strong start with the Phoenix Suns. The tough forward has been playing some of the best basketball of his career, and his rise earned unexpected praise from a former star. That attention has brought a new focus on the style he brings to Phoenix this season.

The main moment came during FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show, when four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins spoke about Dillon Brooks. Cousins said Brooks deserved more respect and placed him with defenders like Marcus Smart, Draymond Green, and Dennis Rodman. Suns owner Mat Ishbia also praised Brooks as the perfect guy for Phoenix.

Cousins explained his view clearly on the broadcast. He said, “Dillon Brooks deserves more credit than he gets. He falls in the category of Marcus Smart, Draymond Green, Dennis Rodman. You want that type of guy on your team,” on FanDuel TV. His words came right after Dillon Brooks scored 33 points and added key defensive plays against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Brooks joined the Suns in a major seven-team trade back in June 2025. The deal sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and brought Brooks, Jalen Green, and young draft picks to Phoenix. Since then, Brooks has stepped into a bigger role and has been trusted by head coach Mike Budenholzer to defend top players and add scoring when needed.