Former Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks is still playing the villain role
Ejected just five minutes into his Houston Rockets debut, former Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks reminded the NBA world that he is still playing the villain role. These were Brooks' words when asked about his ejection, saying after the game, "Whats the name? What's my name? Dillon the Villain."
Brooks added that his reputation aided in the ejection, saying that Thais got right back up after the shot below the belt. Receiving a flagrant 2 on that play, Brooks didn't feel his actions met the criteria for such a ruling, saying the officials need to be certain a player is doing something on purpose before handing out a flagrant 2.
While Brooks is not going to receive the benefit of the doubt because of the reputation he established with the Grizzlies, this was a questionable ruling. The Rockets forward did catch Thais in a bad spot, but it was while fighting through a screen, so it's hard to be certain he did it on purpose. That said, it's one of those plays the league wants to ensure does not happen again, so there could be some level of obligation to protect players by setting a precedent that shots like that will be taken very seriously.
Playing less than five minutes, Brooks did not get much of a Rockets debut, so he will look to have a much more productive showing next game.