The NBA is full of stories (Danny Green, James Johnson, Gerald Green) that make basketball consumers love the narrative of the comeback.
Prior to the trade deadline, the Lakers decided to trade Steve Blake for MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore. Brooks was a collegiate standout at Providence for four years accumulating accolades that can still be felt in the archives of the old Big East Conference.
In 2011, Brooks had a standout rookie season in the NBA, averaging 12.6 points. Many in the Nets organization thought that Brooks was an imperative piece to the future in Brooklyn. But Brooks failure to commit on defense and poor shot selection enabled then Nets head coach Avery Johnson to move in another direction. Brooks was stationed on the bench for the duration of his time in Brooklyn, and many people wondered if he will ever reached his full potential.
Brooks was inserted in the mega-trade that sent Jason Terry, Paul Pierce, & Kevin Garnett to the Nets for Brooks, Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, & four #1 draft picks. Brooks once again found himself stationed on the bench in Boston and once again the question was asked: Can Brooks ever find his way back into a NBA rotation?
Earlier this season, Brooks was traded from Boston to Golden State; there were talks of Brooks playing a key role with the team due in part because of the high ball handling demand on All-Star Steph Curry.
But once again we saw the same narrative with Brooks as he sat on the bench looking like a lost child in the mall. Brooks averaged less than two points a game during his brief and unappealing stay in Golden State.
Brooks dealt to another team, this time to the Lakers.
Los Angeles is desperate for some sense of a spark and Brooks may be the ideal player now in LA. Brooks has looked effective during his first 4 games in Los Angeles averaging 11.5 points per game and playing with a heavy chip on his shoulder. If Brooks continues with this stellar play, he may find a permanent spot with the Lakers for years to come.
As a fan of Brooks, this writer hopes that he is a part of the long-term plans in Los Angeles; but it is all up to one person, and that’s MarShon Brooks. This may be Brooks’ last chance at a significant shot at NBA glory and the Lakers may be the ideal fit for player like him.
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