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Andre Iguodala looks at Golden State Warriors foe through a different lense

By Peter O'Keefe

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 18: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks at Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the game at FedExForum on March 18, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 18: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks at Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the game at FedExForum on March 18, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have had a long-running feud with controversial wing Dillon Brooks, although they certainly haven’t been the only NBA team to be aggravated by the 27-year-old across the course of recent years.

Most notably, Warrior teammates and fans were left angered by Brooks’ flagrant two foul on Gary Payton II in Game 2 of the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals, leaving the defensive star with a fractured left elbow.

Four-time Golden State Warriors champion Andre Iguodala has attributed Dillon Brooks’ NBA success to his crazy mentality.

It’s fair to say the antagonistic nature of both Brooks and Draymond Green has led to some unsurprising confrontation on the floor, with that extending beyond the court to a fiery exchange in the media last season.

Speaking recently with Evan Turner and JJ Redick on the Old Man and the Three Podcast, former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala took a different approach to viewing Brooks’ game.

"“There’s certain guys in the NBA that wouldn’t be in the NBA if they didn’t have that crazy mentality or how they view themselves. There’s a selfishness within how they view themselves. If Dillon Brooks wasn’t crazy, he wouldn’t be in the NBA”, Iguodala said."

While that may seem like a backhanded compliment, it does feel like there’s a respect for where Brooks has got to in the league as someone who just garnered a four-year, $86 million contract in free agency.

Like Green, the Canadian’s extracurricular antics may also take away from the genuine skill level he possesses. His ability was never better showcased than in the recent Bronze Medal game against Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, with Brooks’ 39 points leading the Canadians to an upset victory.

Iguodala’s comments certainly aren’t specific to just Brooks. There’s a plethora of players currently, and throughout the course of NBA history, who’ve got to their standing through a quirky or in Iggy’s words ‘crazy’ mentality.

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The Brooks-Warriors rivalry may now be petering out given his offseason move from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets, albeit Golden State are still scheduled to face him three times during the upcoming regular season.

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