JJ Redick and Jarred Vanderbilt have had their share of heated exchanges, but the Los Angeles Lakers head coach can't help but admire the forward's relentless energy on the court. Redick has even labeled Vanderbilt a "winning player," someone whose defensive mindset and hustle drive success—even if scoring has never been his forte. Vanderbilt thrives in his role as a defensive stopper and rebounder, making sacrifices that fuel team victories.
However, not everyone sees it that way. Dillon Brooks, the Phoenix Suns forward, recently called out Vanderbilt during an appearance on RayAsianBoy's stream, bluntly calling him "dumb" for not tapping into his full potential. "I'm about to throw a shot, I can't even lie, but this guy doesn't really like me, who cares. Jarred Vanderbilt on the Lakers... He's like a rebounder, can't shoot, defense," Brooks said.
The tension between Brooks and Vanderbilt is nothing new. Last season, while Brooks was with the Houston Rockets, the two got into a scuffle during a regular-season game, with Vanderbilt shoving Brooks in the chest. The altercation resulted in Vanderbilt being ejected and Brooks receiving a technical foul. But Brooks insists his latest critique isn't personal—it's about untapped talent.
"I just think he has way more potential that he's not untapping. He's like 6'9", bro, and he's mobile, but he has no (offense). I got to guard (Ray) tougher than I had to guard him," Brooks added. Standing at 6'9" with impressive mobility, Vanderbilt has the physical tools to be a dynamic two-way player, but his offensive game has never fully developed. His career-high of 8.3 points per game came during his stint with the Utah Jazz, highlighting what teams hope he can become—but for now, his value lies in his defensive intensity and rebounding.
Brooks' dig wasn't fueled by hatred or jealousy over Vanderbilt playing alongside LeBron James. Instead, it reflects a belief that the Lakers forward is settling for less when he could be so much more. As Brooks enjoys his offseason with RayAsianBoy, the Suns' absence from the playoffs has given him plenty of time to share his unfiltered takes.