PHOENIX – The 2025-2026 season revived the Phoenix Suns on multiple levels. The team went from loitering in the lottery with no pick to making the playoffs and activating the Valley with massive fan support. A reason for the improvement is many factors but an integral piece is the arrival of Dillon Brooks. The 30-year-old arrived last offseason as a piece in the Kevin Durant trade but became so much more.
Brooks emerged as a fringe All-Star averaging a career-high in points and installing his toughness to a team-wide attitude. The effort was recognized by fans and the appreciation didn’t go unnoticed by Brooks. He spoke Tuesday to the media about what the support from the fans met during the turmoil of the season.
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It’s easy for a player to loved when the team is winning and he’s successful. However, as the team began to struggle in the second half of the season, Brooks would be sidelined with a fractured left hand. It continued to get worse for the nine-year pro when he got arrested for a DUI on March 6th, which TMZ released the full police body cam footage for the internet to see.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) looks at the scoreboard after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Despite those bumps in the road, Brooks’ support from the fans never wavered. That level of loyalty remained the same before and after the injury and DUI, and even with the team eliminated, fans’ love for the Villain is at an All-Time high. Brooks helped restore faith into the franchise after one of the most embarrassing seasons last year. He is entering the final year of his contract, but his production and influence on the team could see Brooks remain with the Suns for a long time.
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