Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets started his new NBA journey with the Houston Rockets, although the aftermath was hardly surprising.
It was typical of Dillon Brooks, who has been gaining notoriety for his on-court actions. And it appears he is embracing that role and has created a ridiculous new nickname for himself - "Dillon the Villain."
"What's the name? What's my name? [I'm] 'Dillon the Villain,'" the 27-year-old swingman told reporters.
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Brooks was ejected with less than five minutes remaining in the Rockets' preseason matchup against Indiana Pacers after he was caught giving Daniel Theis a low blow.
At the time, the Canadian was fighting through a screen provided by Theis. However, replays caught him landing a hit to the groin of the German, resulting in a flagrant foul 2, meriting an ejection, USA Today reported.
Brooks claims he was the victim and that his reputation precedes him. However, he did admit to getting into contact with Theis.
"I might have tapped him below the waist, but he got right back up, and I don't know. It's just weird that every time that happens to me, I get picked on, so I guess this is a part of the reputation," the 2023 FIBA World Cup Best Defensive Player explained via ESPN.
Can the Rockets take off with Brooks' antics?
Despite that incident, the Rockets went on to win against the Pacers, 122-103. However, the reality for Brooks is that he will be closely monitored for his unusual on-court antics.
After the Memphis Grizzlies opted not to re-sign him, Dillon Brooks agreed to a four-year $80 million deal with the Rockets.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka liked the aggressiveness and physicality of the 27-year-old player. However, he knows Brooks' reputation and what he has to deal with this season.
"Reputations carry in the NBA, and people will look for certain things. You got to monitor that better," the first-year Rockets coach stated via the Houston Chronicle.
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