Data doesn't lie|Dillon slammed 39 points to change Shenlong Rockets 4 years 90 million signs, is he worth it?
On September 10, Beijing time, the World Cup bronze medal battle, Canada defeated the United States 127-118 overtime, which is an accident, but the most unexpected is Canada's number one hero, not Alexander, who ranks first in the team in three average statistics, but Dillon Brooks, who was madly ridiculed in the playoffs last season. 39 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks, shooting 12 of 18 from the field and 7 of 8 from three-point range, Dillon became the dragon in the World Cup and was named the MVP. Looking back at the 4-year $90 million that the rocket pulled out, is it worth it?
Dillon didn't just explode
If you haven't paid much attention to the World Cup, you probably won't notice Dillon's magical performance in this tournament. The 39-point explosion for the U.S. men's basketball team was his pinnacle show, but before this game, his performance was already excellent, much to the delight of the Rockets media and fans.
In eight games, Dillon averaged 15.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 41 of 69 from the field, shooting 59.4% from the field, 25 of 34 from three-point range, 58.8% from three-point range, and 79.2% from the free-throw line. In 8 games, Dillon scored double-doubles in 6 games, and in addition to this game, the 22 points and 5 rebounds against Spain were also impressive. Commentator Huo Nan wrote on social media: "Dillon is really too fierce, facing the American team and playing a super performance. ”
After the game, Dillon Brooks rushed to the first place in the national hot search for the first time. Remember a few days ago, when he claimed to be the best outside defender in the world? He didn't expect to score 39 points so quickly, two more than his NBA career record, and whether he is the best outside defender remains to be proven, but at least in this bronze medal battle, he became the best outside attacker. 7-of-8 from three-point range, which is terrifyingly accurate.
Has Dillon completely come out of the doldrums?
The outbreak of this World Cup may be a timely shot in the arm for Dillon. After all, he just suffered the humiliation of the playoffs, the Grizzlies were eliminated by the Lakers in the first round, and Dillon was madly ridiculed and spit on by fans and media for his remarks and behaviors against James. The Grizzlies ultimately chose not to renew his contract, and Dillon's situation might have been even more awkward if it weren't for the Rockets' willingness to pay for it.
Look at Dillon's stats in last season's playoffs, averaging 10.5 points, 3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 31.2 percent from the field, 23.8 percent from three-point range and 71.5 percent from the free-throw line. The World Cup data is undoubtedly rising across the board, and although FIBA's three-point line is closer, the three-point shooting rate has increased from 23.8% to 58.8%, which is indeed not explained by getting closer.
It can only be said that Dillon, who put on the Canadian national team jersey, found the rhythm that suits him best, and also changed the evaluation of him by the outside world. Meng Chao, a reporter in the front, updated his social media and sighed: "Dillon's World Cup trip is simply a battle for personal reputation. ”
The rocket cannot rejoice too soon
Seeing Dillon's performance in the World Cup, many Rockets fans were happy, and some media commented early: I didn't expect the Rockets to become the biggest winner, 4 years 90 million signings such Dillon is worth it.
In fairness, the rocket still can't rejoice too soon. Dillon's ability to play such efficiency in the World Cup does not mean that he can play such efficiency in the NBA. After all, the Rockets aren't a Canadian men's basketball team, and Dillon needs to adapt to a whole new role.
He has said that he is in such good shape in Canada because his teammates and coaches trust him enough, which also gives him confidence. This is not normal Dillon, but extraordinary Dillon. After all, the overall strength of the Rockets is not strong, and Dillon is mainly responsible for defense there, and the offense is responsible for players such as Porter, Green, VanVleet, Smith, and Shenjing, so Dillon's opportunities should not be so many.
Of course, as long as Dillon can take on his responsibilities and lead this group of juniors on the defensive end, the Rockets' money will not be spent in vain. Looking back at Dillon's projection data on his three playoff trips, it's really getting worse. It was 40 per cent in 2020-21 and 34.7 per cent in 2021-22 and only 23.8 per cent last season. With the World Cup coming up for so long, can he bring his form to the new season of the Rockets? Let's wait and see.