Dillon Brooks' Dark Arts: Trash Talk Tactics Fuel NBA Career

The Phoenix Suns star reflects on his journey from Canada to the league, using mind games to gain an edge.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in mid-motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and crimson red, capturing the fractured, multi-perspective nature of the sport and the player's intense competitive drive.Dillon Brooks' unique approach to the mental game of basketball has made him a polarizing figure, but his competitive spirit and leadership could be key to the Phoenix Suns' rise.Phoenix Today

Dillon Brooks, a professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns, reflects on his competitive spirit and trash-talking tactics that have defined his NBA career. Growing up in Mississauga, Canada, Brooks developed a love for the game, honing his skills by playing with family. His grit and psychological approach to the game, which he describes as an 'art,' have helped him gain an edge over opponents, though he acknowledges the fine line between trash talk and crossing boundaries, as seen in his incident with Kawhi Leonard. Brooks emphasizes the importance of infectious energy and leadership, aiming to set a positive culture in Phoenix and challenge perceptions of the Suns as a rebuilding team.

Why it matters

Brooks' unique approach to the game, blending skill and psychological warfare, has made him a polarizing figure in the NBA. His ability to get under opponents' skin and his determination to succeed despite skepticism offer insights into the mental aspects of professional basketball.

The details

Brooks developed his trash-talking skills from a master at his local YMCA, who taught him to prey on players' insecurities. This strategy became a key part of his game, helping him gain an edge over opponents. However, he also acknowledges the fine line between trash-talking and crossing boundaries, as evidenced by his incident with Kawhi Leonard. Brooks learned the importance of self-reflection and growth, thanks to feedback from Joe Dumars, who recognized his basketball talent beyond his reputation as a villain.

  • Brooks grew up playing basketball with his cousins and uncles in Nova Scotia.
  • Brooks was involved in an incident with Kawhi Leonard that drew attention to his trash-talking tactics.
  • Brooks joined the Phoenix Suns in 2022 and is aiming to set a positive culture for the team.

The players

Dillon Brooks

A professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns, known for his competitive spirit and trash-talking tactics that have defined his NBA career.

Kawhi Leonard

An NBA player who was involved in an incident with Dillon Brooks that drew attention to Brooks' trash-talking tactics.

Joe Dumars

An NBA executive who provided feedback to Dillon Brooks, recognizing his basketball talent beyond his reputation as a villain.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I learned from a master at the local YMCA, who preyed on players' insecurities. This strategy became a key part of my game, helping me gain an edge over opponents.”

— Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns Player

“I learned the importance of self-reflection and growth, thanks to feedback from Joe Dumars, who recognized my basketball talent beyond my reputation as a villain.”

— Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns Player

What’s next

Brooks will continue to play a key role for the Phoenix Suns as they aim to build a winning culture and challenge the league's perception of them as a rebuilding team.

The takeaway

Dillon Brooks' unique approach to the game, blending skill and psychological warfare, has made him a polarizing figure in the NBA. His ability to get under opponents' skin and his determination to succeed despite skepticism offer insights into the mental aspects of professional basketball.