2 reasons why the Cavs should steer clear of signing Dillon Brooks

On April 28, the Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Memphis’ small forward in the series and for several years is a very polarizing player, in Dillon Brooks. He is a good defender, maybe even a great one. However, his offensive abilities are really lackluster, which was a big factor in why the second-seeded Grizzlies lost in six games to the seventh seed.

In a perfect world, Brooks could work on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sure, his offense isn’t great, but if Evan Mobley could take a jump when it comes to mid-range and three-point shooting, then sure, Brooks would be a good fit. Brooks isn’t much of a three-point shooter, in any means. He shot 32.6% from deep this season, and 30.9% last season. Also, he shot a miserable 39.6% from the field. Brooks had the eighth-worst field goal percentage of any player who shot over 100 shots this season, which isn’t a pretty sight to see.

Yes, the Cavs do need a small forward/wing depth and more shooting, that is very obvious. Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert were the main two starting small forwards this season, and neither are really what the Cavaliers need out of a starting small forward. Three-and-D wings are crucial NBA players, and the Cavs definitely need one the most out of any NBA team. Brooks isn’t that kind of player, either.

Personally speaking, I do not want Brooks anywhere near the Cavs, but the suggestions will be there. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium (subscription required), Dillon Brooks will not be back in Memphis “under any circumstances.”

Memphis does not want Brooks, and the Cavaliers shouln’t want to sign him, either. With that being said, here are a couple of reasons why the Cavs should steer clear of Dillon Brooks this offseason, even say, via team-friendly deal.

No. 1: Brooks is an offensive liability

Brooks is not a three-point shooter, at all. In fact, he is a bad shooter anywhere on the court, aside from arguably as a finisher at the rim. Shooting below 40% from the field isn’t ever a good thing, especially on a playoff team. Brooks also had the second-worst offensive rating this season among qualified players, only ahead of the Detroit Pistons’ Killian Hayes.

Also, Brooks only has averaged 2.5 free throws per game in his career, which is nothing to write home about. The Cavs were the 12th-most accurate three-point shooting team, making 36.7% of their distance attempts in the regular season. Being around middle of the league in that stat is fine, but probably would be lowered if Brooks was the starting small forward.

The Grizzlies were the 24th-best 3-point shooting team this season, hitting only 35.1% of their distance shots. Also, Memphis was 15th in offensive rating this season, which is not good for a team wanting to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

No. 2: “Menace” Mentality

I don’t know if Brooks is purposely doing this, but he seems to be the kind of player who is buying into the villain role. He seemingly believed him being portrayed as a villain led to him being ejected in Game 3 against the Lakers, for instance.

Brooks has seemingly gone back on it a bit of late, regarding an anti-hero player, but either way, the perception is probably going to follow him. Players like Draymond Green, Marcus Smart, and Trae Young are similar types of this “villain” character. These are players who fans do not really like elsewhere, but the player loves to be hated. Whether or not Brooks buys into that, it’s how he’s viewed.

However, Brooks had the seventh-most personal fouls this season, at 3.3 per game, and he has been suspended three times in a matter of two months this season. He also ranked first in the NBA in technical fouls, with 18 in total this season. All of these stats aren’t pleasing to any NBA fan, especially a Grizzlies fan.

He seems to talk trash to anyone he can go up against. Also, he did get into an altercation earlier this season with Donovan Mitchell, so it would be a bit awkward if Brooks played with Mitchell in Cleveland.

This isn’t to say I’m bashing Brooks, as he is a good player in some ways. However, his skill set and off-court antics wouldn’t likely mesh well with the Cavaliers. It will be interesting to see what kind of contract he will earn (the Cavs could only offer him the full Mid-Level Exception for non-taxpaying teams), and where he will play next season.