Aaron Brooks, a dynamic point guard known for his speed and scoring ability, played in the NBA and internationally over a decade-long career. Born on January 14, 1985, in Seattle, Washington, Brooks honed his skills at Franklin High School before attending the University of Oregon. At Oregon, he developed into a standout player, earning All-Pac-10 honors and leading the Ducks to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight in 2007.
The Houston Rockets selected Brooks with the 26th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He spent his rookie season adjusting to the professional game, but by his second year, he began to show his potential. During the 2008-2009 season, Brooks became a starter and played a crucial role in the Rockets' playoff run, which included a memorable series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Brooks' breakout season came in 2009-2010 when he averaged 19.6 points and 5.3 assists per game. His performance earned him the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. Known for his quickness and ability to score from long range, Brooks became a fan favorite in Houston. However, the following season saw a dip in his performance, and he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2011.
After a brief stint with the Suns, Brooks took his talents overseas during the NBA lockout, signing with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China. His time in China was productive, and he returned to the NBA in 2012, signing with the Sacramento Kings. Brooks' journey in the NBA continued with stops at several teams, including the Denver Nuggets and a return to the Houston Rockets.
In 2014, Brooks signed with the Chicago Bulls, where he served as a reliable backup point guard. His experience and scoring ability provided depth to the Bulls' roster. After two seasons in Chicago, Brooks joined the Indiana Pacers for the 2016-2017 season, continuing to contribute as a veteran presence off the bench.
Brooks' final NBA season was with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017-2018. Throughout his career, he was known for his speed, three-point shooting, and ability to change the pace of the game. After leaving the NBA, Brooks continued to play internationally, including a return to China, before eventually retiring from professional basketball.
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