Phoenix Suns’ Dillon Brooks Continues To Prepare for New Season

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks is entering his second season with the franchise.

The Suns' star is coming off of a career year after coming to the Valley as part of the return in the Kevin Durant trade. Now, the Oregon product is seeking to take an even bigger step forward with another year alongside star teammate Devin Booker.

Part of the preparations for the upcoming 10th season include a trip to China, where Brooks took on Bai Jing in a first-to-100 contest in Quzhou. Brooks went on a 33-4 run in the game to take a 101-79 victory, showing that he is in strong form heading into Phoenix training camp - which is set to open later this month. 

Beyond this, Brooks took a trip to the Wudang Mountains to take part in training regimen very similar to that of Victor Wembanyama last summer. This decision might be trivial at the surface, but there are implications that have potential to serve the Suns well in the season ahead. 

Perhaps the most simple and direct consequence of Brooks making this trek is that he is fully focused on the season ahead. It seems as if the 6'7" forward is physically, mentally, and spiritually in-tune for a grueling 82-game campaign. This will bode well for a Suns team that is making a small handful of roster changes that may result in a team that looks much different in comparison to last season. 

Brooks' preparations are a strong sign that he is ready to take on the demands of a rigorous season. That he is ready to mentor Phoenix's young players, including rookie Koa Peat and the second-year standout Rasheer Fleming. That he is ready to grow alongside Booker with one year as a duo in the rearview mirror.

What's even more meaningful is that it seems as if Brooks is working towards rectifying past mistakes that have plagued him. Is there a realistic chance that the starting forward will see a downtick in technical fouls in the season ahead with the current state he is apparently in?

It's entirely possible, and the Suns would be all the better because of it. Only time will tell if the trip to China leads to tangible positives on the floor for the Suns in the season ahead, but it certainly can't hurt. 

Phoenix's first preseason game is slated to be played on October 5 against the Detroit Pistons.