LAS VEGAS, July 14, 2007 -- At the 2007 NBA Draft, the Rockets weren't one of the teams with a lottery pick. Still, after drafting Aaron Brooks with the 26th overall selection, Houston feels as if it has the winning ticket.

Coming into the NBA Summer League, Brooks’ name was not mentioned amongst the headliners. It should have been. Brooks has been the most consistently dominating player through the first eight days.

As a defender, there is no correct way to successfully stop him. Give him room and he will splash a jumper in your face. Push up on him and he will use his blinding first step to skate past you.

“This league fits my game well,” Brooks said. “Speed wise, it is perfect. I love the open floor and getting out in space.”

In some cases, numbers lie. Brooks’ 24 points, 6.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game, however, speak the truth.

He has been spectacular.

“This has been a lot of fun,” Brooks said. “It is a lot of work, but it has been interesting.”

After having nine turnovers against Dallas two nights ago, Brooks came back and had none the next day. It is that kind of improvement that has people in Houston realizing they have a special player on their hands.

“That was way too many turnovers so I knew I had to play better,” said Brooks, who led the Pac-10 in scoring (17.7 points per game) and was fifth in assists (4.3) while at Oregon last season. “I was too eager. I know now to slow things down. I have to play under control, pick my spots and try to keep improving.

Brooks didn't have a huge game, as far as stats are concerned, tonight against the Kings, but he did just enough to help the Rockets get the victory. He scored 17, grabbed five rebounds and gave out three assists.

Brooks has notched eight assists in one game and seven in another this week. After coming close to getting 10 helpers twice, Brooks said he has a couple of simple goals he would like to accomplish before leaving Las Vegas.

“First of all, I want us to win our games,” Brooks said. “Secondly, I want to go out and get a double-double.”

At this point, nobody who has seen him play would bet against him.

  • Here is the updated Race to the MVP Top 20 through games played on July 13.

    1. Louis Williams, Sixers

    2. Aaron Brooks, Rockets

    3. Rodney Stuckey, Pistons

    4. Marco Belinelli, Warriors

    5. Nate Robinson, Knicks

    6. J.J. Barea, Mavericks

    7. Craig Smith, Wolves

    8. Jason Maxiell, Pistons

    9. Alando Tucker, Suns

    10. Al Thornton, Clippers

    11. Rudy Gay, Grizzlies

    12. LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers

    13. Jelani McCoy, Nuggets

    14. Leon Powe, Celtics

    15. Kelenna Azubuike, Warriors

    16. Shannon Brown, Cavaliers

    17. Pierre Pierce, Warriors

    18. Javaris Crittenton, Lakers

    19. Rodney Carney, Sixers

    20. Kyle Lowry, Grizzlies

  • Dropped out: Wang Zhizhi, Team China, Marcus Banks, Suns, Francisco Garcia, Kings.