Suns learned obvious Dillon Brooks lesson that Rockets fans know all too well

Dillon Brooks had a career year after the Rockets traded him to the Suns, but was recently eliminated from the playoffs in a 4-0 series loss to the Thunder. Just like in Houston, Brooks brought solid scoring and great defensive intensity to Phoenix but it wasn't enough to overcome a massive talent deficit in the playoffs. Even though Brooks is a great support piece, both teams have seen that he can't be the primary scoring option for a deep playoff run.

Dillon Brooks can't match up with a true superstar

Brooks ended up being the Suns' leading scorer in this year's playoff series with 26 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 44% from three. However, he wasn't able to counter the Thunder's own superstar scorer - reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Even with Brooks outperforming his expected scoring, the Suns still got swept and were rarely competitive throughout the series.

The Suns didn't lose because of Brooks, but rather because they were forced to rely on Brooks so heavily. Their usual primary option in Devin Booker struggled throughout the series and wasn't assertive enough, so Brooks had to step up. But Brooks would be best served in a veteran secondary role playing off a star.

For a team to have real title hopes, they should have a secondary star at Brooks' talent level. If he was on a team next to a Top-10 player and only had to create his own shot in emergency situations, Brooks would shine against lesser defenders. Between his tough shot-making ability and trademark defense, Brooks would be a perfect complement for a young team with a rising star.

Brooks is still a great player in his role

This season, Brooks played at a borderline All-Star level. He averaged a career-high 20 points per game while taking a very tough shot diet, including many isolation midrange buckets. Unfortunately, he did go through some injury struggles that limited his impact. They had a 32-24 record with him, but just 13-13 without him.

Brooks will surely continue to provide value for his team in coming years, but they can't demand too much of him. While Brooks is perfect for a competing team, he may also be kryptonite for a team that isn't a true playoff contender. He doesn't have the potential to single-handedly lift a team to that level, but he is also too good to allow for a proper tank.

Hopefully, he will end up on the right team and his talents can shine in important games. Otherwise, Dillon Brooks might be doomed to yet another season of playing well but having no hope of beating a more talented team in the playoffs.

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