LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies sits on the bench against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies made sure the door hit Dillon Brooks on the way out after a disappointing first-round exit.
Dillon Brooks became the latest NBA player to challenge LeBron James and lose. The Grizzlies would rather not wait around and find out what happens next.
Memphis has informed Brooks that “under no circumstances” will he be brought back into the fold. It’s a hilarious turn of events that few of us could have predicted at the start of the NBA Playoffs.
While a loss to James and Lakers is nothing for the Grizz to be ashamed about, the way Brooks handled himself was unprofessional. Namely, he refused to meet with the media on several occasions after calling LeBron out.
Brooks referred to LBJ as “old” and “tired”, while also suggesting he didn’t have much left in the tank. That did not end well for the former Oregon Ducks star, who will now find himself on a new team next season.
NBA Twitter has a laugh about Dillon Brooks
Brooks is a pending unrestricted free agent, so what the Grizz are essentially saying is that they plan to use their money to fill other needs. As Shams Charania detailed in his report of Brooks pending free agency, Los Angeles defensive strategy revolved around leaving him open:
“The Lakers also left Brooks open during the series and dared him to shoot, using the extra defender to keep All-Star Ja Morant from driving or to blitz Desmond Bane on the perimeter. Brooks shot 31.2 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from 3-point land in the series while averaging 10.5 points and shooting nearly 13 shots per game.”
Brooks failed to rise to the moment, and Memphis thinks a clean break is best for both sides. Still, social media had a field day with the news.
There were many more where those came from. For now, Dillon Brooks ought to take a break from social media. It’s rough out here.