There have always been villains in the NBA, but few wear the label as proudly as Dillon Brooks. From fiery defense to relentless trash talk, the Houston Rockets forward has made controversy his trademark. Now, many are asking: is Dillon Brooks the most hated NBA player of the 21st century?
From Grit to Grudge: Brooks’ Rise to Infamy
Brooks rose to prominence with the Memphis Grizzlies thanks to his intense defense and unapologetic attitude. But his infamy hit new heights during the 2023 NBA Playoffs, when he delivered a low blow to LeBron James and brushed it off by calling him “old.”
His actions sparked league-wide backlash. He was ejected multiple times that postseason and criticized heavily in the media. The Grizzlies eventually cut ties, with reports labeling him “uncoachable.” Instead of toning things down in Houston, Brooks doubled down.
Now with the Houston Rockets, he’s back in headlines for provoking stars and riling up fans. His ongoing feud with Lakers supporters went viral, fueling his growing reputation.
Is Dillon Brooks the Most Hated NBA Player?
Brooks leans into the villain image, but does that make him the most hated NBA player today?
The NBA has seen its share of controversial stars. Draymond Green, Patrick Beverley, and Ron Artest have all worn the black hat at times. However, Brooks’ behavior often overshadows his actual impact on the court.
While he’s a capable defender, his offensive stats remain inconsistent. Critics argue that Brooks talks more than he produces. But his refusal to back down — and his ability to keep the spotlight — continues to earn him attention, if not admiration.
From Trash Talk to Trending Topics
Social media plays a big role in how NBA players are perceived today, and Brooks is always trending. His antics are shared, analyzed, and meme’d in real time. Whether it’s a viral shove, ejection, or press conference quote, Brooks thrives in chaos.
One example came during a recent game vs. the Lakers, when he was tossed again, sparking more headlines. Even LeBron James responded publicly, showing just how much Brooks gets under his opponents’ skin.
Despite everything, Brooks remains a starter. His tenacity and edge give teams value, even if fans boo him every night. Who knows? Rattling players can be all part of his game plan.
Is Dillon Brooks the most hated NBA player of this generation? Possibly. But in today’s NBA, being hated sometimes means you’re winning, at least the attention game.
