ORLANDO — As the complicated framework of a Dwight Howard trade to Brooklyn continued to be put in place yesterday, the Nets took the floor for the opening game of the Orlando Summer League against, of all teams, the Magic.
One of the main pieces in any potential Howard trade, Nets guard MarShon Brooks, played like someone whose mind was on anything but basketball in a 92-88 loss. Brooks went 0-for-10 from the field, including 0-for-3 from 3-point range, and finished with just three points. He picked those up with 3:15 remaining when he was fouled on a 3-point attempt and hit all three free throws.
The Nets have spoken to several teams, including the Clippers, about dealing Brooks in exchange for another first-round pick to send to the Magic as part of a larger package for Howard.
“[The Magic] did a real good job of shutting down the floor, taking away the things I like to do well,” Brooks said, denying the trade talks had any effect. “Like, on the pick-and-roll, there weren’t too many angles.
“[Magic guard] DeAndre Liggins did a good job, as well. They did a good job of pressuring me. I couldn’t really turn the corner on the pick-and-roll like I wanted to, couldn’t do what I wanted to. They did a good job, and that’s why they won.”
Brooks did admit to being passive, particularly on the offensive end, something Nets fans rarely saw from the 6-foot-5 guard during his promising rookie year. Brooks proved to be a gifted scorer this past season, averaging 12.9 points and making the All-Rookie second team thanks to his ability to create shots and score in a variety of ways.
After watching yesterday’s game from the baseline while assistant Popeye Jones handled the coaching duties, Nets coach Avery Johnson said he planned to talk to Brooks about focusing on what’s happening on the court, as opposed to things around him he can’t control.
“You know, it’s normal,” Johnson said. “I think if MarShon is concerned, I think it’s because he wants to be a part of what we’re doing, and he’s a young guy. That is something that we’re gonna have a discussion about.”
At the same time, Johnson wouldn’t blame all of his young guard’s struggles on seeing his name show up in trade rumors.
“I don’t want to overreact to one game,” he said. “He didn’t play his best basketball today, and if he comes out and scores 40 tomorrow, he’s not going to be Joe Dumars. But I’m going to watch him closely this week, and we’ll be in constant communication about relaxing a little bit and playing the game.
“We still think an awful lot of him.”
One Net who isn’t rooting for a trade is second-round draft pick Tyshawn Taylor, who started alongside Brooks in the backcourt.
“I’ve been around the kid for a week already, and I love him already,” said Taylor, who finished with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. “I think he’s one heck of a player, and I’m looking forward to playing with him so I hope he’s around still.”