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Dillon Brooks criticized a Los Angeles Lakers player as a 'dumb NBA player' following their playoff elimination. He believes the player has the potential but lacks offensive development.
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Dillon Brooks did not miss the chance to take a shot at one Los Angeles Lakers player after their playoff elimination.
The Phoenix Suns forward has never been shy about naming names, especially when the Lakers are involved.
This time, his criticism was aimed at a player he believes has the physical tools to be much better, but has failed to develop enough of an offensive game.
Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images
As PurpGoldLakers shared, Dillon Brooks singled out Jarred Vanderbilt while appearing on a livestream with RayAsianBoy.
âIâm going to throw a shot. I canât even lie. This guy doesnât even like me, to be honest with you. Jared Vanderbilt. On the Lakers. They call him Vando,â Brooks said.
The setup came when Brooks was asked to name a player he viewed as a âdumbâ NBA player.
Brooks hesitated only briefly before naming Vanderbilt, making it clear there was already some bad blood behind the answer.
That history goes back to previous Lakers-Rockets meetings, when Brooks and Vanderbilt got into a heated on-court altercation that ended with Vanderbilt being ejected after shoving Brooks and flicking his head.
Dillon Brooks did not specify the name of the LA Lakers player he criticized.
He labeled the player as a 'dumb NBA player' and mentioned that they have the physical tools but lack offensive development.
Brooks made the criticism following the Lakers' elimination from the playoffs, reflecting his ongoing rivalry with the team.
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Brooks then explained that his criticism was less about Vanderbilt lacking athletic ability and more about what he has not added to his game.
âHeâs like a rebounder, canât shoot. I just think heâs got way more potential than heâs not untapping,â Brooks added.
That line sums up the problem Brooks sees. Vanderbilt is long, mobile and useful defensively, but his limited shooting makes him easier to ignore in playoff settings.
That was part of the Lakersâ issue before their second-round elimination against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Vanderbiltâs defensive energy had value, but his offensive limitations made it hard for JJ Redick to keep him on the floor for long stretches.
Vanderbilt averaged only a small role in the postseason, and his lack of spacing became more noticeable with LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves needing driving lanes and cleaner half-court geometry.
Brooksâ wording was harsh, but the basketball point was clear. He believes Vanderbilt has the body and movement skills to be more than a rebounder and defender.
Instead, Brooks sees a player who still has not punished defenses enough as a shooter or scorer, which is why he turned an old rivalry into another public shot.
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