Dillon Brooks did not miss the chance to take a shot at one Los Angeles Lakers player after their playoff elimination.
The Phoenix Suns forward has never been shy about naming names, especially when the Lakers are involved.
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This time, his criticism was aimed at a player he believes has the physical tools to be much better, but has failed to develop enough of an offensive game.
Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images
Dillon Brooks finally names Lakers player he does not rate
As PurpGoldLakers shared, Dillon Brooks singled out Jarred Vanderbilt while appearing on a livestream with RayAsianBoy.
“I’m going to throw a shot. I can’t even lie. This guy doesn’t even like me, to be honest with you. Jared Vanderbilt. On the Lakers. They call him Vando,” Brooks said.
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The setup came when Brooks was asked to name a player he viewed as a “dumb” NBA player.
Brooks hesitated only briefly before naming Vanderbilt, making it clear there was already some bad blood behind the answer.
That history goes back to previous Lakers-Rockets meetings, when Brooks and Vanderbilt got into a heated on-court altercation that ended with Vanderbilt being ejected after shoving Brooks and flicking his head.
Dillon Brooks thinks Jarred Vanderbilt is wasting his tools
Brooks then explained that his criticism was less about Vanderbilt lacking athletic ability and more about what he has not added to his game.
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“He’s like a rebounder, can’t shoot. I just think he’s got way more potential than he’s not untapping,” Brooks added.
That line sums up the problem Brooks sees. Vanderbilt is long, mobile and useful defensively, but his limited shooting makes him easier to ignore in playoff settings.
That was part of the Lakers’ issue before their second-round elimination against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Vanderbilt’s defensive energy had value, but his offensive limitations made it hard for JJ Redick to keep him on the floor for long stretches.
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Vanderbilt averaged only a small role in the postseason, and his lack of spacing became more noticeable with LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves needing driving lanes and cleaner half-court geometry.
Brooks’ wording was harsh, but the basketball point was clear. He believes Vanderbilt has the body and movement skills to be more than a rebounder and defender.
Instead, Brooks sees a player who still has not punished defenses enough as a shooter or scorer, which is why he turned an old rivalry into another public shot.
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