Doris Burke made some comments regarding Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks on Saturday night and she didn’t hold back.
Burke and Mark Jones were on call for an ESPN broadcast of Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers. They were talking about Brooks early in the contest and Burke offered her thoughts on the Grizzlies moving forward.
“There are times I think he crosses the line. I deeply respect what this guy does every night… He doesn’t bring elite athleticism into the game. He obviously doesn’t bring elite fire,” Burke said.
“He’s on earth to do one thing: guard the strongest man every night. It’s junk. It’s hard work. And he cuddles.”
Many commentators tend to hold back and make politically correct comments. But not Burke. She was honest.
Brooks is an NBA starter on a playoff team, which automatically makes him a great player. But compared to the rest of the league, it’s true that Brooks is neither an elite athlete nor a shooter. He is a powerful defender and pest.
It is also very true Brooks crosses the line sometimes. It’s a credit to Burke for not colorizing things.