Q&A with Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks

Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks emerged during the 2009 NBA Playoffs as one of the league's best playmakers while helping the Rockets advance out of the first round for the first time since 1997. Brooks, who played in two games for the NBA Development League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers during the 2007-08 season, will appear at Lone Star National Bank on the corner of McColl and Nolana in McAllen from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday to sign autographs and meet fans. Before the appearance, Brooks talked about his postseason emergence with the Rockets, his time with the Vipers and offered his thoughts on the NBA Finals which begin today.

Q: You averaged 16.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in the playoffs, all above your season averages. Why do you think your numbers improved so much during the postseason?

A: We had a lot of different stuff that happened. Yao went out. I just had a good series, got in a good rhythm. I was feeling pretty good I guess.

Q: In Game 4 of the Lakers series you erupted for 34 points in the Rockets' 99-87 win. Can you talk about that performance?

A: I felt pretty good. Got into a good rhythm. Just stayed in attack mode. I wanted to get some easy buckets, get into the paint. My shot was falling a little bit. I just had everything going I guess.

Q: Of all the point guards in the NBA, who's the toughest for you to play and why?

A: For me it would be (Utah's) Deron Williams. He's one of the top three point guards in the league. He probably doesn't get talked about as much. Just his height and weight bother me. Chris Paul and Steve Nash are great point guards. I think it's just his height and his weight and what he can do at his height.

Q: You spent a brief time playing for the Vipers during your rookie season. How do you look back on that experience?

A: I think it was a great experience for me. It got me ready for the league. I came down there and played two games and got into the flow of things. I was sitting out a lot with Houston. It just gave me an opportunity to get some minutes again because I hadn't played since summer league.

Q: What do you think about the Rockets spending a couple of days of training camp and playing an NBA preseason game against the Boston Celtics in the Rio Grande Valley next fall?

A: I know it's going to be exciting for the fans down there. I'm excited because I had some fun down there and it'll be good to see some familiar faces. As far as getting away from the routine (of training camp), I don't think so. We've been through a lot of travel before.

Q: When the Rockets traded Rafer Alston in February to open the starting point guard job for you, what was your immediate reaction?

A: I was nervous because we were losing a great point guard. Everybody's focus is toward you and many people thought the Rockets were rebuilding and we were tanking the season. I think it worked out for both teams, I might say. I got the opportunity to go out there and play and he's in the championship. I just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity, have fun, learn and get some on-the-job training.

Q: What are your thoughts on the NBA Finals? Your former teammate Alston is playing for Orlando, and you pushed the Lakers to seven games in the Western Conference semifinals.

A: It's going to be a good Finals. I wish Rafe the best. I hope he has a good series. For that reason I want them to win. It's going to be a good series. I'm going to watch it. Whatever happens, happens. I don't want to make a prediction because it might go against my former teammate.

Q: How close do you think the Rockets are to becoming a team that can play for an NBA title?

A: I think we're close. We just need to continue to grow as a team and get to know each other a little bit better. But we've got the key players as long as we sign the right players.

Q: Who are your top 5 point guards in the NBA in no particular order?

A: Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo, Tony Parker.

Q: What's your favorite place to play, other than the Toyota Center?

A: Portland (Brooks was born and played his high school ball in Seattle and attended the University of Oregon).

Q: Do you think the Lakers get all of the calls in the playoffs?

A: (Slight hesitation) No

Q: What is Ron Artest like as a teammate?

A: He's a good dude man. I just talked to him earlier today. He's a good player to have on your team. I don't know if you want him on the other team, though.

Q: Who was your favorite NBA team growing up?

A: Seattle.

Q: Where you upset when the franchise moved to Oklahoma City last year?

A: Extremely. Hopefully they'll get a team soon.

Aaron Brooks Appearance

When: 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday

Where: Lone Star National Bank, corner of McColl and Nolana, McAllen

What: Signing autographs and memorabilia, free of charge