Aaron Brooks has officially signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Indiana Pacers, marking a new chapter for the veteran guard who once electrified Houston alongside Yao Ming during the team’s playoff breakthrough.
Brooks, born January 15, 1985, is listed at 6 feet (183 cm) and is now 31 years old. He was selected 26th overall in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and has played eight seasons in the league. Though undersized and slim in build, Brooks made a name for himself with his lightning-quick drives and reliable mid-to-long-range shooting, establishing himself as a high-efficiency offensive point guard. Over his career, he has averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 rebounds per game, shooting 41.3% from the field.
When Brooks first arrived in Houston, his sharp penetration and three-point shooting quickly earned him the nickname “Little Black Bean” among Chinese fans. His offensive spark led the Rockets to trade away Rafer Alston, making room for Brooks to step into the starting point guard role. Once promoted, Brooks shone brightly, especially during the 2009 playoffs when he teamed up with Yao Ming to lead the Rockets past the Portland Trail Blazers and into the Western Conference semifinals.
In the series against the Los Angeles Lakers, tragedy struck when Yao suffered a season-ending foot fracture after Game 3. Brooks stepped up valiantly—in Game 4, he erupted for 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting, leading the Rockets to a 99–87 victory and tying the series 2-2. With Yao sidelined for the entire 2009–10 season, Brooks took over as the Rockets’ primary scorer, posting career-best averages of 19.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. He also shot 43.2% from the field and an impressive 39.8% from beyond the arc, knocking down 2.5 threes per game.
Unfortunately, Brooks’ trajectory took a downturn after he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Goran Dragić. The trade marked the beginning of a nomadic NBA journey, and his confidence gradually began to fade.
In the summer of 2014, Brooks signed a minimum deal with the Chicago Bulls. Then-head coach Tom Thibodeau believed in his abilities and gave him the green light on offense. That trust paid off—Brooks averaged 11.6 points per game that season, the second-highest of his career, earning recognition as the Bulls’ sixth man. Even after Thibodeau’s departure, Brooks remained with the team for the 2015–16 season and continued to deliver key performances off the bench, helping secure this latest opportunity with Indiana.
Now with the Pacers, Brooks is expected to serve as the third-string point guard behind a crowded backcourt. The team will need to waive a player to finalize the roster, which currently stands at 16.
It’s worth noting that Monta Ellis will remain the team’s starting shooting guard, placing Brooks firmly in a supporting role. Still, with his experience and scoring instincts, Brooks could prove to be a valuable asset off the bench—ready to step in when called upon and, perhaps, write one more memorable chapter in his NBA journey. After all, in the NBA, it’s never over until the final buzzer sounds.