Reggie Miller Explains Why Dillon Brooks Didn't Make NBA All-Star Team

NBA analyst says Brooks deserved consideration, but All-Star nod goes to 'stars' in stacked Western Conference

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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NBA analyst Reggie Miller praised Dillon Brooks' career season with the Phoenix Suns, but explained why the veteran forward didn't make the NBA All-Star team despite deserving consideration. Miller cited Brooks' 'bad boy' reputation and the stiff competition at guard in the Western Conference as reasons he was left off the All-Star roster. Fellow analyst Carmelo Anthony also acknowledged Brooks' strong case based on his defense and scoring, but said the All-Star selection goes beyond just stats and impact.

Why it matters

Brooks has been a key part of the Suns' success this season, helping establish their identity as a tough, physical, and defensive-minded team. While he didn't make the All-Star team, the recognition from respected analysts like Miller and Anthony shows Brooks' growing reputation as an impactful two-way player in the NBA.

The details

Brooks is averaging a career-high 21.2 points per game in his first season with the Suns after being traded from the Rockets. He has been praised for his defensive intensity and ability to 'get in opponents' heads.' However, his 'bad boy' reputation, including 16 technical fouls before the All-Star break, likely worked against him making the team. Miller and Anthony both acknowledged Brooks deserved strong consideration, but the All-Star selection ultimately goes to the league's 'superstars,' especially in the stacked Western Conference backcourt.

  • Brooks has only advanced past the first round of the playoffs once in his four postseason appearances.
  • The Suns are currently seventh in the Western Conference, nine games above .500, and just two games out of the fourth seed.

The players

Dillon Brooks

A veteran forward for the Phoenix Suns who is averaging a career-high 21.2 points per game in his first season with the team. He has established a reputation as a tough, physical, and defensive-minded player, but his 'bad boy' persona likely worked against him making the NBA All-Star team.

Reggie Miller

A Hall of Fame NBA player and current analyst for NBC Sports who praised Brooks' impact on the Suns this season, but explained why he didn't make the All-Star team.

Carmelo Anthony

A Hall of Fame NBA player and current studio analyst for NBC Sports who acknowledged Brooks' strong case for the All-Star team based on his defense and scoring, but said the selection goes beyond just stats and impact.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy for him, but he's still a bad boy, which I love. At the end of the day, he's still a bad boy and that will never leave him, and I think that's the Phoenix Suns' identity.”

— Reggie Miller, NBA Analyst (NBC Sports)

“If you're talking impact, then Dillon Brooks absolutely had an All-Star case. He's been the defensive tone setter for the Suns. He's guarded the toughest matchups every single night and he's scoring at a career-best level.”

— Carmelo Anthony, NBA Hall of Famer and Studio Analyst (NBC Sports)

“All-Star isn't just about defense. It's production, it's the narrative, it's where the team is at. Did he deserve a strong consideration? Yes. Was he a lock? I think that's where the debate starts.”

— Carmelo Anthony, NBA Hall of Famer and Studio Analyst (NBC Sports)

What’s next

Brooks will look to continue his strong play and help the Suns make a deep playoff run, which could boost his chances of making the All-Star team in future seasons.

The takeaway

While Dillon Brooks didn't make the NBA All-Star team this year, his strong play and impact on the Suns has earned him recognition from respected analysts like Reggie Miller and Carmelo Anthony. Brooks' combination of scoring, defense, and physical style of play have been key to Phoenix's success, and he will look to translate that into postseason success to further solidify his status as one of the league's rising two-way players.