After a rocky tenure in Memphis, veteran wing Dillon Brooks was given the boot by the Grizzlies, and nobody knew where his path would take him next. But as the NBA fans clowned him all summer long, he actually came out as a winner in free agency by securing a huge, 4 year, $86 million deal with the Rockets.

While we don't yet have clarity on what Brooks' role will be with the young and rising Rockets, Brooks is convinced that he's destined for a breakout season. According to him, playing alongside Fred VanVleet will help unlock his game and take his career to a whole new level.

“When I spoke to Brooks in Las Vegas last week, one thing he noted was the impact the former Raptors point guard would have on his offensive efficiency, an area he’s fully aware he struggled with last season in Memphis," wrote The Athletic. "VanVleet is one of the game’s premier passers and has elite court vision. There’s a reason Houston’s brass felt it necessary to pay big money to land his services. VanVleet’s gravity and drive-and-kick ability are two much-needed lifts to this team’s floor and ceiling.”

The Rockets were one of the worst teams in the West last season, but it was by design. With a host of unproven young players (including Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun) leading the show, there were practically no expectations for Houston last season.