NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting small forwards for 2023-24

24. Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets

With the way Dillon Brooks has been torn down this offseason, it’s fair to say that he’s evolved into one of the most underrated two-way wing players in the league heading into the 2023-24 NBA season. Signing with the Houston Rockets, Brooks will have the opportunity to quietly rebuild his reputation around the league outside of the limelight. Short of something unexpected happening, because the Rockets are rebuilding, Brooks is going to be out of the spotlight this season. And that may be something that ends up paying dividends for him.

If his performance in the FIBA World Cup for Team Canada was any indication, there’s a chance we could see the best version of Brooks that we’ve seen in a very long time. If Brooks can resurrect into a consistent 3-point shooter, he’s going to emerge as a valuable veteran for Houston.

For all the flack he gets for being an inconsistent offensive player, he’s somewhat of a throwback defender in a league that doesn’t praise players for their ability on that end of the floor. Brooks doesn’t have to be special offensively with the level of talent Houston has; he just can’t be a liability on that end of the floor.