How Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks took 'huge step' in return from injury

Dillon Brooks hasn't played since Jan. 8 because of an ankle injury, but the Memphis Grizzlies forward's energy is being felt.

He's still leading the pregame huddle with his dance moves, and he's one of the most vocal players at practices. Ziaire Williams called him the team's "biggest cheerleader."

All of that energy will soon be showcased on the basketball court. General manager Zach Kleiman gave Brooks an early March return expectation at the trade deadline, and Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins has said that Brooks has stayed on pace.

Brooks is doing light work with his teammates at practice. He'll do more contact, 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 drills before being fully cleared to return. Jenkins called Wednesday a "huge step" for Brooks.

"He's been fully integrated," Jenkins said. "We haven't had a lot practices to get him out there. We're not going live or contact. He's doing contact in other settings, but he's been fully involved in all of our team film sessions."

When Brooks returns, the starting lineup will get its second most productive paint scorer and a top-three scorer on the team. Brooks will replace Williams.

Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams have only started seven games together this season. The Grizzlies (43-20) are 2-5 in those contests. Morant was injured and left in the first quarter of one of those losses.

Jenkins is still undecided on whether Brooks will immediately jump in the starting lineup or work his way in while coming off the bench.

"It's definitely a critical decision," Jenkins said. "We only got 19 games left, and when he comes back, it's going to be less than 19 obviously. He and I have had conversations. We've had different guys come back from injury off the bench or they've started right away. We've just got to see where the team is at and what's the best to get him acclimated and also continue to have our team playing at a high level."

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Either way, Williams knows Brooks will be starting in the small forward spot soon, and said he's grateful for the experience.

"It'll be good to kind of sit back and then watch him do this thing and be able to learn from there," Williams said. "And then when I'm with the second unit, just do the same thing. Push the pace and help the team win. All I want to do is be on the court, whether I'm starting or on the bench. Doesn't matter."

Brooks is listed as out for Thursday's game against the Boston Celtics. The Grizzlies have a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday before spending the next five days in Memphis.

Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies: Dillon Brooks injury update from Taylor Jenkins