Dillon Brooks learned kung fu, jokes about dropkicking refs

Dillon Brooks spent part of his offseason learning kung fu in China. Because of course he did.

The Suns forward traveled to the Wudang Mountains, where he trained in kung fu and studied Daoism. Naturally, someone at Media Day asked Brooks how he might apply his newfound skills to basketball. He had an answer ready.

“If anybody pisses me off, I’m going to give them a drop kick,” Brooks said, via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “Especially the ones that are wearing stripes.”

Yes, the referees. This from a man who led the NBA with 17 technical fouls last season. Brooks was kidding, obviously. In fact, the actual lesson he says he brought home from China was basically the opposite.

“I learned how to center myself, simplify my life and focus on what I need to focus on,” he said.

Brooks said he’ll try to incorporate that mindset into his preparation and his famous “Villain” persona. So perhaps we’ll get a calmer Dillon Brooks this season. Centered. Focused. At peace. Just don’t piss him off while wearing stripes.