Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Jan 29, 2026.
Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Jan 29, 2026. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
ESPN recently revealed its top 100 players ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, with Dillon Brooks landing at number 76. That's an improvement over not being featured at all one year ago, but it's still too low for our liking.
Value of Brooks still misunderstood around the NBA
What more does a veteran who helped change the culture of a franchise, was the ideal co-star next to Devin Booker, elevated his play in the postseason, and scored a career-high 20.2 points per night have to do to get his due around here and, let's see... not be ranked behind Tyler Herro (71st) by the worldwide leader?
Extending Brooks was one of the best moves the franchise made as media day looms, ensuring he will be helping the Suns compete for the next few years, at least. He is a crucial piece of the franchise. What Phoenix has gotten out of trading Kevin Durant is a regular season killer who helps them now. Sounds like a lot more than the 76th-best player in the league to us.
Brooks' ability to be a defensive menace and get the best out of his teammates will be tested this season, with new addition Miles Bridges representing an expensive lateral move by the organization. But he's proven he can win no matter the conditions in The Valley, and this coming season won't be any different.
At 30 years old, he is in his prime and has understood from day one what it means to play for the Suns, being the perfect foil for Booker.
All-Star selection would make casual fans take notice
As silly as it may seem, receiving a first All-Star selection would go a long way toward getting casual fans to pay attention to what he regularly brings to the Suns. You could argue Brooks should have gotten the nod last season, and he has an even better chance this time around.
If the Suns can be in the running for a top-four seed, their chances of having two players chosen would increase. Booker would be the top choice, but Jalen Green has to hold down his starting spot before he can think about making the mid-season exhibition, while Bridges' off-the-court issues complicate the picture.
We look forward to doing this all again in a year, when Brooks comes in at number 58 or so. It will still be too low.
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