Yes, Dillon Brooks is worthy of becoming an All-Star.

The nine-year veteran may be more known for his antics rather than actual production on the court, although his recent play with the Phoenix Suns is changing that narrative.

Brooks was sent to the Suns from the Houston Rockets as what looked like a throw-in in the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the latter. Former number two pick Jalen Green was supposed to be the centerpiece of the package that Phoenix received for Durant, but he has only appeared in four games this season due to injury.

In the absence of Green, the Suns were faced with a dearth of scoring behind Devin Booker. Brooks, who has never been short of confidence, has seized this opportunity and is in the midst of the best stretch of his NBA career.

In 42 games this season, the 30-year-old Brooks is averaging a career-high 21 points, 2.5 three-pointers, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game for Phoenix. Brooks has taken his game up a notch further over the past week with Devin Booker sidelined, highlighted by a career-high 40-point performance to lead the Suns to a 114-96 win over the East-leading Suns.

Brooks has showcased an impressive offensive arsenal this season, including stepback three-pointers and turnaround jumpers that are actually quite reminiscent of his teammate Booker.

Over his last three games, Brooks is averaging 30.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, three assists, and a steal. This could not have come at a better time with the All-Star reserves set to be announced this weekend. Though Brooks is still unlikely to be announced as a reserve, he is making a strong case to be named an injury replacement in the likely case that one of the original All-Stars is unable to suit up. Whether a player is selected as a starter, reserve, or injury replacement ultimately does not matter—it still counts as an All-Star appearance.

Ultimately, Brooks may still sit on the margins of the All-Star conversation, but the fact that he has entered it at all is a significant achievement for a player who has spent the entirety of his career up until this point as a role player. 

For as long as Phoenix can keep on winning and Brooks leads the charge, the case for him to make the All-Star game will be too difficult to ignore. If he can actually make it, it will be a big win for all of the underdogs out there and a reminder to the world about the value of grit, determination, and never giving up.