The Education of Aaron Brooks

Game starting to slow down for lightning-quick guard

 

 

 

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Jason Friedman
Rockets.com Staff Writer

HOUSTON - If you've seen the film The Matrix, you're undoubtedly familiar with the concept of bullet-time, even if you don't recognize the term. It signifies the way the movie's characters are able to slow down the world around them, to the point where they're actually able to perform heretofore unthinkable actions, such as dodging bullets - hence the term.

Well, if there's any sort of real world equivalent to bullet-time, Aaron Brooks is experiencing it right now. The game is starting to slow down for the Rockets' second-year point guard, allowing him to make smarter decisions with the ball while better utilizing his breathtaking quickness. It's a welcome change for a player who at times felt overwhelmed by the speed of the NBA game during his rookie season.

"When I first got into high school everything was really fast," says Brooks. "Well, I progressed over those four years and my senior year was my best year, just like in college. And my rookie year was exactly the same; everything was so fast you doubt yourself wondering if you’re good enough to play at this level. Now it’s just like a cycle to me. Every year I’ve improved, so I’m looking to do the same thing here."

He appears well on his way to doing just that. When asked about Brooks after Wednesday's practice, Tracy McGrady flatly declared, "He's ready."

"Him saying that, and all these guys instilling confidence in me, that’s probably helped me out the most," Brooks says. "I put in the work and have been playing hard, and they’re showing confidence in me, so I’m ready to go now."

He had better be. The truth is, Brooks' development could be crucial to the Rockets' success this season. Last year, when Rafer Alston missed time due to injury, the Rockets' offence too often resembled a rudderless ship, getting bogged down and beaten without its floor general directing traffic. So the question must be asked: If the unthinkable occurs and Alston goes down again, can Brooks step in and deliver?

"I think he has a chance to," says coach Rick Adelman. "But only time will tell, and only when you get him out there and see how consistent he’s going to be game in and game out. But he certainly has a chance to be that player for us.

"He’s just gotta keep working. He’s gotta figure out what his strengths are and how he’s gonna get to them. But he’s been doing a good job. He’s got a lot of skills. The biggest thing about Aaron is he’s got to learn how to be effective on both ends of the court with his size; how to use his size offensively, but also how to understand how they’re going to try to take advantage of him on the other end. But I think he’s developing really well.