Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks brought his trademark edge and a surprising dose of philosophy to the team's media day on September 28. Brooks, who led the NBA with 17 technical fouls last season, joked about applying kung-fu lessons from a summer trip to China by drop-kicking referees, before seriously discussing how Taoist principles are helping him find focus for the new campaign. This comes as the Suns aim to move past a difficult finish to the 2025-26 season, which ended with a 122-131 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28.
When a reporter asked what he could apply from his kung-fu training to the basketball court, Brooks couldn't resist a jab at NBA officials. "If anybody pisses me off, I'm going to give them a drop kick, especially the ones that are wearing stripes," Brooks said with a laugh at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The quip was a clear reference to his league-leading technical foul total from the prior year, a reputation he seems aware of but is now actively working to manage.
Brooks quickly turned serious, though. He explained that his time in China taught him the exact opposite of aggression. "I learned how to center myself, simplify my life and focus on what I need to focus on," Brooks stated. He delved into studying Taoism, a Chinese philosophy centered on living in harmony. He described it as seeking "synergy" and "the pure way of living, simple living." For a player known for his intense on-court demeanor, this represents a significant personal shift.
Integrating this calmer mindset could be a major asset for a Suns team that needs consistency. Brooks acknowledged the challenge of maintaining that simplicity amid the NBA's hectic travel schedule and constant media attention. "It's going to be a little tough with all these cameras and all these people and going state to state to play basketball," he admitted. His plan is to find moments of peace in hotel rooms or during pre-game routines to stay locked in. "Those are things I kind of take from it and put into the Villain," Brooks said, referencing his competitive alter-ego.
His ability to channel his energy productively will be watched closely. The Suns' recent form shows a need for stability. Their last five games of the previous season resulted in a 1W-4L record (LLLLW), including four consecutive losses to close the campaign. After a 135-103 win over Oklahoma City on April 13, they suffered heavy defeats, including a 119-84 loss on April 19 and a 101-73 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on April 11. Brooks' focused intensity, rather than unfocused frustration, could help stem such slides.
The Suns are looking to reset after a playoff run that ended with a tough first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The final game was a 122-131 defeat on April 28. Reviewing the team's full schedule and stats from that stretch shows a squad that struggled defensively down the stretch. Brooks, acquired to add toughness and perimeter defense, is now aiming to contribute that edge with a more controlled mental approach.
His personal evolution is one of the more intriguing subplots for Phoenix. Can the player known as "the Villain" harness a zen-like focus without losing the competitive fire that makes him effective? If Brooks can reduce his technical fouls while maintaining his defensive tenacity, he becomes a far more reliable piece for the Suns' rotation. The team's success may partly hinge on players like Brooks providing smart, sustained effort rather than momentary explosions. His summer study suggests he's serious about making that change.
