Around the Beat: Brooks' DUI Charge, and Who Starts at Center

Brooks charged with DUI. ESPN's Michael Rothstein, The Athletic and Hoops Rumors' Dana Gauruder all reported Dillon Brooks faces a misdemeanor DUI charge, while Arizona Sports' Alex Weiner traced it to a March incident in Scottsdale. Brooks averaged 20.2 points over 56 games last season, and nothing in Phoenix's own reporting connects the charge to any change in his standing with the team.

Still in the fold. Valley of the Suns' Luke Duffy reported Brooks was already taking rookie Koa Peat under his wing on the first day of camp, a sign the charge hasn't pulled him out of the group. Brooks remains one of Phoenix's five largest contracts at $20.0 million this season.

Who starts at center. Valley of the Suns' Luke Duffy called Miles Bridges at center "devastatingly effective," and an all-in bet on Khaman Maluach "a scary leap of faith." Mark Williams, the would-be starter, isn't expected back before February, which is exactly the vacancy driving the debate.

Ighodaro's case for minutes. Valley of the Suns' Luke Duffy also reported Jordan Ott hinted Oso Ighodaro could snatch the starting job. The numbers back it up: Ighodaro's minutes and scoring both climbed last season whenever a teammate sat, up 12 a game over his final three outings.

Booker's toughest year. Arizona Sports' Kellan Olson called this Devin Booker's largest challenge yet. He's the headline salary on a $216.2 million payroll already above the first apron, carrying a retooled supporting cast — Jalen Green, Miles Bridges, Dillon Brooks and Bradley Beal round out the top five — into his 11th season at 29.

Camp battles down the roster. Valley of the Suns' Luke Duffy covered the fringes too: Ryan Dunn showing he's "up for" a roster fight, and Phillip Wheeler — unlikely to survive cuts but still called an ideal camp addition. Wheeler signed with Phoenix on September 25, part of a wave of roster churn that also brought in Duop Reath and Kennedy Chandler this month.