Rockets turning to Marcus Smart to replicate Dillon Brooks can only end badly

Luke Duffy of Valley of the Suns argues that the Houston Rockets' decision to bring in Marcus Smart to replicate Dillon Brooks will fail. The writer asserts that the Rockets struggled in their first season without Brooks, who moved to the Phoenix Suns, and claims that Smart cannot adequately replace Brooks' specific intensity, physical defensive profile, or leadership persona alongside Kevin Durant.

Duffy highlights that at age 32, Smart is older, possesses a worse injury track record, and lacks the size Brooks uses to disrupt opponents. The article contends that Smart operates more effectively as a complementary irritant rather than a team-defining culture setter, suggesting the veteran guard would have actually been a superior tactical fit in Phoenix under head coach Jordan Ott.