Dillon Brooks labels one LA Lakers star as a ‘dumb NBA player’ after playoff elimination

Dillon Brooks thinks Jarred Vanderbilt is wasting his tools

Brooks then explained that his criticism was less about Vanderbilt lacking athletic ability and more about what he has not added to his game.

“He’s like a rebounder, can’t shoot. I just think he’s got way more potential than he’s not untapping,” 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 Lakers’ issue before their second-round elimination against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Vanderbilt’s 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.

Brooks’ 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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