Dillon Brooks acknowledges that when players shoot, he purposefully slaps their hands.
Originally published by Amos Arawiran on Sideline Sources Most recent update: 12/1/23.
Self-proclaimed “Dillon the Villain,” Dillon Brooks, acknowledges that he slaps opponents’ hands when they attempt a shot. Despite being a legitimate play, the forward can use it to manipulate the player he is defending.
Dillon Brooks Attempts to Enter Your Thoughts
Basketball requires the use of mind games. A player who lacks mental toughness is susceptible to certain plays that other teams may consider.
Getting inside other players’ heads is something that Brooks discusses in an interview with The Athletic. After the ball is released, he “high-fives” anyone who tries to block a shot.
When the Houston Rockets forward guards them, this can throw off their rhythm and make them doubt themselves.
“I believe that after the ball is released, everyone in the league knows that I slap people’s hands during jump shots. They are thus given the impression that they are not going to get a second chance when I close out. They are so accustomed to sticking with it when they work out. However, I like to incorporate other elements like that when I close out.
Brooks, Dillon
According to Cleaning the Glass, the Rockets are tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the fourth-best defensive record in the league, indicating that Brooks is successful with this strategy.
Nevertheless, the Rockets are ranked slightly lower by other statistics websites like StatMuse.
Lineups, meanwhile, places them fourth ahead of the Thunder in ninth place.
In the NBA, it is acceptable to slap a player’s hand after they release the ball, despite what some users may think. The specifics of the league’s rulebook explain what kinds of contact are permitted.
Brooks’s Approach Is Similar to Shane Battier’s Defense
Interestingly, a former Rockets player employed a similar strategy to confuse opponents with their shots. In particular, whenever Kobe Bryant attempted to take a shot, Shane Battier would constantly attempt to put his hand in front of his face.
This accomplishes what Brooks is attempting with the mental game. It obstructs their vision, but whenever they see Battier approaching them, it also invades their minds.
