NEW ORLEANS – As a team trainer approached with two huge bags of ice after Tuesday’s practice at the Smoothie King Center, Dillon Brooks made a small request as he rushed to change shoes.
“Let me finish this up first,” Brooks asked the trainer.
Request denied.
The two ice bags were immediately placed on Brooks’ knees, which were then tightly wrapped in massive swabs of adhesive tape to keep everything in place. In essence, the cooling-down period had begun. The scene was symbolic: the process of maintaining Brooks’ health is non-negotiable.
As a disappointing Grizzlies’ season drags toward the finish line, Brooks is pushing forward with a clear purpose with five games remaining, including Wednesday’s stop in New Orleans to face the Pelicans.