Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
1. Dillon Brooks
On May 2, The Atheltic’s Shams Charania reported that the Memphis Grizzlies wouldn’t be bringing Dillon Brooks back next season under any circumstances.
"The Memphis Grizzlies have informed pending unrestricted free agent Dillon Brooks that he will not be brought back under any circumstances, league sources tell The Athletic,” Charania wrote. “After his tumultuous end to the season, Brooks was told about the Grizzlies’ decision to move on in exit meetings with team officials in recent days, those sources said. Memphis and Brooks discussed in exit meetings that it’s best for both sides to have a fresh start, sources added.”"
That could be good news for the Charlotte Hornets, who could certainly use the added toughness and contentiousness that Brooks brings to a rotation. Furthermore, Brooks is experienced at playing on young, talented teams that are trying to carve out a name for themselves in a stacked conference. Sure, he is currently seen as the biggest villain in the NBA, but it’s what he brings to the basketball court that could interest Mitch Kupchak.
In 73 regular-season games this year, Brooks averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest while shooting 39.6% from deep and 32.6% from the perimeter. Of course, the Hornets should only move for Brooks if they can fit him inside of their MLE, and Oubre Jr. has moved on to new pastures.
However, one thing is for sure, if the Hornets begin to make moves to get younger, finding an enforcer to help set the tone should be high on the team’s list of priorities, and Brooks would certainly fit that remit.