With the NBA Trade Deadline rapidly approaching, there’s speculation abound about what the Houston Rockets may or may not do. General Manager Daryl Morey has stockpiled assets the past few years and now has all sorts of intriguing possibilities. One is moving point guard Aaron Brooks, whose contract is expiring at the end of this year. Add in the fact that Kyle Lowry seems to be holding his own at the point, and the fact that Brooks has exhibited less than stellar behavior (I’m thinking of course about him walking off the court in a recent game against the Grizzlies), and one would think that Brooks is certainly a candidate to be shopped.
Brooks however wants to stay in Houston. According to him at least. On Thursday, Brooks joined KILT in Houston to talk about wanting to stay with the team that drafted him out of Oregon in 2007, and why he stormed off the court against Memphis, a move that earned him a one-game suspension for next Monday night’s game. (Transcription via: Sports Radio Interviews)
What happened to make him walk off the court against Memphis:
“Nothing man. Just a bunch of frustration within myself and I just wasn’t able to control it and made a bad decision. I shouldn’t have done it. Hopefully we can move on from this situation.”
Whether or not he is upset about not being in the starting lineup:
“I think it was in the beginning when I felt I was doing a little better health-wise, but as you continue to play, just the movements and stuff, not moving the same, I have to find a way to get back in my groove and playing the way I was. I don’t put it on the coaches. I have to make them play me and my play hasn’t dictated that so far. I’m not mad at them because they have a job to do. It’s my job to go out there and play when I’m called on.”
How he feels about all the trade rumors about him leaving Houston:
“I love Houston. I like being here and I want to stay with the team that drafted me. You can’t be mad that another team wants you. When the phone stops ringing and they’re not asking for you then there’s a problem. (Mike) D’Antoni was one of the guys that was high on me during pre-draft at the 29th spot going to the Suns. I’m flattered that guys still want you. That’s always good and better than no one wanting you. That’s a good thing.”