Let's break it down by Brooks' strengths/weaknesses: Strengths: -quickness, athleticism -ballhandling (strong with both hands) -finishing around the basket (he has shown much more than a glimpse of this ability even if he's struggling right now, he uses the backboard really well and can finish with both hands) -shooting (again, even though he's struggling right now, he has a pure release, you don't get invited to and win HS or college 3PT contests being anything less than a good shooter, he's shown signs of being able to shoot well at the NBA level) -penetration (he's shown the ability to beat his man with or without the use of screens and kick out to open shooters or dish to big men down low, he needs to prove he can do this consistently) In general, he has the chance to become a multi-faceted scorer. He could become a legitimate threat from behind the arc, from mid-range and as a finisher around the basket. And because he has good ballhandling skills and quickness, he can create his own shot when the offense breaks down. If he becomes even a consistently average playmaker, that would add another dimension to his offensive repetoire. Weaknesses: -undersized, even for a PG -has trouble running the offense at times (team starts to look lost and he over dribbles and becomes indecisive, he should get better at this over time, he has shown glimpses of being able to do this, needs to prove he can do it consistently, has a long way to go) -defense (I'm actually less worried about his size than his ability to stay focused and play with energy on defense, pick up on rotations when his shot isn't falling) -playmaking (he is a scoring PG but he needs to learn when to pass versus looking for his shot, needs to read defenses much better and more consistently, this is a bigger question mark than his defense in my book, I don't think he's selfish, he's willing to defer, he just doesn't seem to make good decisions about what to do at times, i.e., pass, penetrate or look for a shot, has to be able to read the defense) As far as him being a PG versus a mini-SG (a la Head) I do see him as a viable PG for a couple of reasons. First, he has great ballhandling skills with both hands. Second, he has shown enough of an ability to penetrate and find open players for me to think he can be a legit PG at this level. He just hasn't proved he can do it consistently. There are plenty of other PGs in this league that aren't elite playmakers. Brooks needs to develop his playmaking skills and decision-making though or he will be a career backup. I see his ceiling right now as a good backup PG but that can change depending on how his game develops.
Brooks is in a slump but what Rocket hasn't been in a slump. Brook needs to get smarter and more confidence but remember he is only a second year player and consistency is what most young players struggle with.
I think the scouting report is out on A.B. and he is no longer confident about his shot--really tentative like he does not want to take the outside shot. I hope the little guy bounces back.
It's not about his shooting. He can't run offense...at least not yet. I've seen it with my own eyes. All those turnovers are from when he was in tonight too.
I think Brooks problem is the same one that Luther Head and so many college players have, when they move to the NBA. They clearly have skills, but they don't have a position they can play. From what I have seen Brooks can shoot and penetrate (two great skills by the way), but so far he can't run the team. Maybe he will grow into a position, I certainly hope so. In tonight's Pistons game in his first shift, you know the one before RA HAD to pull him, on one play he dribbled around till the clock had 6 seconds then dropped the ball off to a coverd Chuck Hays. Me I call that a trunover. Not in the books, but that is the sort of thing that kills you.
This team needs a point guard upgrade - badly, and I'm hoping the Rockets address this problem before the deadline, even it it means giving up a valuable rotation player in return.
That is what it looks like to me too, he is not going hard to the hole anymore and it is allowing him to be guarded more easily on the perimeter. DD
i know adelman has had high hopes in brooks. but i hope he doesn't keep his demand too high. brooks is a scorer, and his only play-making ability comes from his speed aka dish on penetration. i don't believe he can become a good play-maker, and therefore he may be a backup pg for life. so naturally the best model for brooks under adelman would be a bobby jackson type of role - a spark off the bench primarily through quick scoring, and not having to worry about defense too much.
Exactly and why does it have to be Brooksall's ball? Brooks plays for the Rockets, not Brooksball. Brooks is in a confidence slump right now. He's having trouble getting to his spots and being indecisive right now. Anyone that remember the botched Horry for Elliot trade was because Horry was scared to shoot the open shots. Many think that's a act of unselfishness, but passing on open shots are just like making a bad pass or forcing a shot. Horry was traded, but it didn't go through and after that he said he wouldn't hesitate again.
can we still sign up matt maloney before the playoffs start??? On a serious note whats the deadline for signing an FA before the playoffs so he can be on the active roster? Early April??? You think we can get Mark Jackson or Sedalle Threatt to suit up
I swear this seems to be the case. I think they have some lucky charm they pass off...they're taking turns using it. Brooks gets the month of Febuary so Rafer's turn is almost done.
teams started game planning for him more b/c he was our best bench player. let's see if he can watch tapes and adjust. that's what good palyers are made of. we'll see if von wafer can do the same thing b/c he'll endure this also later on in the season. i'm sure brooks will be back. just gotta regain that confidence.
Lol Word, watch out though if they both get it going at the same time. Brooks seems to be the only one struggling right now on offense.
