Throughout his career in the basketball spotlight, Dillon Brooks has never been one to shy away from a challenge or mince words.
With Brooks set to represent Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics, his confidence is naturally at an all-time high.
The Canadian Men's National Team is set to return to the Olympics stage for the first time in 2000 thanks in part to Brooks' efforts to lead the team to bronze at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. As they prepare for a brutal drawing at the Olympics, Canada begins its action with an exhibition against Team USA.
As someone who doesn't hold back, Brooks had plenty to say about the upcoming matchup. Here's why his latest comments may turn heads.
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Dillon Brooks says Canada looking to make statement against Team USA
With Brooks and Team Canada set to open the exhibition slate against Team USA on July 10, he gave an inside look at his mentality for the game.
“I take it as (just) another game, but me being who I am, I like to make a statement," Brooks said. "So I’ll be ready to play. Team Canada will be ready to play, and we’re gonna go balls to the wall and watch the film after and see if we got better.”
During the World Cup, Brooks famously erupted for 39 points as Canada earned an overtime win over Team USA in the bronze medal game. That United States team featured a roster of young up-and-comers, but this Olympic roster is complete with all-time greats, including LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
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Brooks has had his on-court battles with both Curry and James on the NBA Playoffs stage. His comments suggest he's ready to take it to the international stage.
“Well at the beginning, it was Steph and LeBron that came out and said something, and then everyone else started joining on,” Brooks said of Team USA's construction. “I’m happy that they made the commitment, so let’s see. Talent against talent."
As he spoke on Team USA, Brooks was quick to allude to the fact that Canada's roster features an All-NBA First Teamer in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an NBA champion in Jamal Murray and several other notable NBA players.
“They’ve gotta guard. They’ve gotta play defense," Brooks said of the challenge Canada presents Team USA and the rest of the world.
"That’s my main thing. Every team that has to play against us has to guard, has to scout against us. And we’re just going to play our game and make adjustments during the game.”
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It's been 88 years since Canada's men's basketball team medaled at the Olympics. After winning bronze at the FIBA World Cup, Brooks and company have their eyes on an even bigger prize in Paris.
“Our time was last year. And now (it’s) our time for this year. But instead of getting bronze, we want the gold.”
In addition to facing Team USA, Canada will take on Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and the French National Team on July 19. Canada opens Olympic play on July 27 against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece.
Aside from the exhibition, Team Canada and Team USA wouldn't meet until the tournament's elimination stage. If that is the case, Brooks will be ready and the stakes would be higher than ever.
