Memphis Grizzlies’ forward, Dillon Brooks, says he does not regret his comments about LeBron James, despite receiving a $25k fine from the NBA for not making himself available for media interviews after three road losses. Brooks called James “old” after the team’s win in Game 2 during the first round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Brooks, who is the longest-tenured member of the Grizzlies, is set to hit free agency this summer.
Brooks added, “I poke bears. I don’t respect anyone until they come and give me 40.” However, he claimed that his comments did not provide extra motivation for James. In the game following Brooks’ comments, he was ejected 17 seconds into the second half after committing a flagrant foul 2 by hitting James in the groin area. Brooks shot 31.2% from the floor and 23.8% from 3-point range for the series.
Grizzlies general manager, Zach Kleiman, did not comment on Brooks’ future with Memphis, but noted that the team had to navigate “self-created distractions” during the playoffs. Brooks has been with the team since the 2017-18 season and played in every game last season, averaging 16.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. It remains to be seen where Brooks will end up as he enters free agency.
