Dillon Brooks Grateful to Charles Barkley for Backing 1st All-Star Nod

Dillon Brooks has changed the narrative about himself this season from a mercurial defender to a productive game-changer.

Dillon Brooks Grateful to Charles Barkley for Backing 1st All-Star Nod

Charles Barkley believes Dillon Brooks should be an All-Star (Image via FirstSportz)

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There was a time when Dillon Brooks was known for his antics more than his defensive capabilities. Now, with the Phoenix Suns, the forward has been quietly changing the narrative.

The antics have not stopped, as was evident from his back-and-forth with Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James during their battles earlier this season. However, in those same games, the Canadian proved that he was a capable scorer, while also re-establishing himself as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders.

When the Suns traded for him, basketball folk felt that it was the Houston Rockets who were getting rid of the perennially mercurial forward. That thought process has changed, and both fans and analysts have warmed up to the idea of Brooks becoming a potential All-Star down the line.

It was great. I love watching that segment of basketball with Shaq, Charles, Kenny. They’re humorous, they’re fun, they get people involved. Chuck, the legend, the Hall of Famer. For him to see my name and see the hard work that’s paid off right now, it’s good.

Dillon Brooks told reporters

This was the 30-year-old’s response when journalist Duane Rankins asked Dillon Brooks if he had heard Charles Barkley suggest his name for the 2026 All-Star game.

From his answer, it seems the Oregon Duck was grateful for the shout-out, as being recognized by one of the greats means he has almost fulfilled the goal he set in his mind.

Charles Barkley batting for Dillon Brooks to earn 1st All-Star call

Duane Rankins’ question about Charles Barkley’s comments on Dillon Brooks was from when the Hall of Famer said this while on SiriusXM NBA Radio.

What’s different than what he does than Draymond? What Dillon Brooks is doing for the Phoenix Suns is similar, and comparable to what Draymond does for the Warriors when they were rolling, and he was like the third or fourth All-Star.

Charles Barkley said

The Round Mound of Rebound believes that the forward is having a similar impact as Draymond Green, and coupled with his scoring and the tone he has set for the 28-19 Phoenix Suns, is proof that Brooks has elevated himself to All-Star consideration.

Barkley backed up his decision to support the Suns star during Inside the NBA’s latest episode. However, to get through, Dillon Brooks has to garner enough votes from coaches.

He will have to wait to hear his name when the panel of NBC’s Sunday Night Basketball announces the list of seven reserves from each conference. The show will feature WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark, who will be making her debut with the network as a ‘special contributor’.

Dillon Brooks bats for Devin Booker to get All-Star nod

Charles Barkley was forthright when saying that it is still a long shot for Dillon Brooks to earn his first All-Star nod this year. When reporters asked the ninth-year forward if he believed he deserved a call, he replied:

Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks have fueled the Suns' charge
Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks have fueled the Suns’ charge (Image via PHNX Suns/X)

Yeah, I feel like I’m playing at that level. Ultimately, I’m not gonna beg for it… If it comes, it comes. But our real All-Star is Book (Devin Booker). He’s been leading us the whole time. He deserves to be in that All-Star talk, and being a reserve on an All-Star team.

Dillon Brooks said

It seems the father of two is aware that he may not get a call from Commissioner Adam Silver, but does not want to drum up his chances in public.

Rather, he would prefer if the team’s primary superstar, Devin Booker, got a call as a reserve, as Brooks believes his teammate has led the team to where they are now. From his answer, it seems he and Booker have the chemistry that has helped the Suns succeed so far.

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