"You're going to see a lot of difference in this year" - Dillon Brooks aims to redefine his reputation with Rockets following his 'villain' status

Over the past few years, fans have viewed Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks as a villain. Especially in his final year with the Memphis Grizzlies, fans defined him as an antagonist against most stars.

This year, Brooks aims to redefine his reputation and bring back his old self after trying to adjust in his first year in Houston, he said during his media day availability on Monday.

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"You're going to see a lot of difference in this year," Brooks said. "I'm not gonna let a rep or whatever it is, persona, whatever the case may be is on me. I'mma play my game, play how I want to play and it if goes either way, it's just what I gotta live with.

"Last year I had ups and downs of trying to find a median in it, but that's not me. You're going to see a lot of, I won't say villainous things, but me being me."

Brooks' first season with the Rockets wasn't as memorable as his final year with the Grizzlies. His scoring went down from 14.3 to 12.7 points, as did his assists (2.6 to 1.7).

The defensive intensity he showed was also different from his stint with Memphis, as he was named part of the All-Defensive Second Team before leaving for Houston.

Last season, he held back on defense as he felt like the league was keeping an eye on him after incidents during the 2022-23 NBA season.

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"I felt like, this year I couldn't be that [kind of a defender]. Going into next year and years to come, I ain't gonna change. So you'll see a lot of that... And I'mma bring the juice every single night."

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Dillon Brooks gets reunited with one of his favorite teammates

Steven Adams was one of the players the Rockets added in the offseason, adding depth to the frontcourt. The Kiwi big man was part of the February trade that sent Victor Oladipo to the Grizzlies. Although Adams has been with the team since the middle of last season, he didn't get to play due to injury.

This season, he's set to make a return to the court after missing the entire 2023-24 NBA season. This will also be the first time he'll get to play with Dillon Brooks since the 2022-23 campaign.

The Canadian forward is looking to be reunited with his former Grizzlies teammate.

"He's one of the most unselfish players in the game. And then on the defensive side of the ball, he rebounds the ball like no other on both ends. ... He’s a presence on the floor and a lot of guys fear him. "One of my favorite teammates of my time. He finds ways as a leader to make guys better,” Brooks said on Adams.

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Brooks expects Adams to be an important piece on both sides of the ball, crediting his ability to set screens as well as his rebounding ability.

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