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Aaron Brooks: A Winding Career Path

By Nathan Van Hoff

Jan 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) drives past Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) during the second half at the United Center. Atlanta won 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) drives past Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) during the second half at the United Center. Atlanta won 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) is defended by Boston Celtics guard Phil Pressey (26) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) is defended by Boston Celtics guard Phil Pressey (26) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

In Chicago

Aaron Brooks has played in all 52 Bulls games this season so far. That is already more games than he has played with a single team since his break out year in 2009-10. That consistency has helped Brooks get into a rhythm and impact the game.

It was mentioned earlier that Brooks is third in the league in three point percentage. Besides that, he has the highest free throw percentage on the Bulls at 86.5 percent. He is also fourth in scoring on the team despite ranking only eighth in minutes per game.

A few other notable statistics illustrating Brooks worth to the Bulls:

  • The team’s offensive rating with Brooks on the floor is 109.6, best among rotational players and 4.4 points more per 100 possessions than the Bulls rating of 105.2.
  • He also has the highest net rating on the team among rotational players at 5.8.
  • The Bulls are 4.6 points better with Brooks on the court, second highest mark among rotational players.

Despite not being known for defense, his opponent shoots 1.2 percent worse while Brooks is defending them. On the whole however, the team’s defense is worse when Brooks is on the court. Their defensive rating drops to 103.8 while Brooks is on the floor, the worst number among rotational players. For comparison, the Bulls overall defensive rating is 102.1.

Even with Brooks sporting the worst defensive rating among rotational players, he still has the best point differential and net rating because he boosts the offense so much. 

Brooks is an excellent spot up shooter hitting 46.1 percent of his shots taken via catch and shoot. For a smaller point guard—only 6-foot and 161 pounds—without elite jumping ability, Brooks gets into the lane and finishes well. He uses an assortment of floaters and body position to get his shot off.

In fact, he shoots from 10 feet or closer more frequently than any other spot on the floor–41.9 percent of his field goal attempts come within 10 feet of the basket. He also uses picks extremely well, both for getting to the rim or pulling up.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau on Brooks’ offensive abilities from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune,

“He’s been great all year,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “It doesn’t take much for him to get going. He’s a proven scorer. He’s got a lot of toughness to him. From coaching against him, I knew that you had to game plan against him.

“He’s quick with the ball, moves well without the ball. He’s very good in the pick-and-roll. For a guy his size, he finishes very well in the paint. He can really shoot.”

The video below is from a loss, but it illustrates the many ways Brooks can influence the game on the offensive end and especially his use of picks and body position.

With a consistent role on a playoff caliber team it seems as if Brooks career is back on track. While he may follow in the footsteps of D.J. Augustine, Nate Robinson and C.J. Watson, turning a strong season with the Bulls into a long-term contract elsewhere, his play this year is key to the Bulls hopes of competing in May and June.

Playing in the Finals would be a welcome career twist for Aaron Jamal Brooks.

Statistics from NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com. 

Next: 30 Greatest Point Guards Of All Time

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