Nets exercise MarShon Brooks option

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NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets have exercised their 2013-14 option on shooting guard MarShon Brooks, the team announced Friday.

Brooks, 23, averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game during his rookie season. Brooks was picked 25th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2011 and traded to the Nets.

He played in the rookie-sophomore game during All-Star weekend and made the NBA's all-rookie second team.

Brooks made his 2012 preseason debut Thursday night against the Celtics after missing the team's first three preseason games because of right foot tendinitis.

"He's a young guy. He's talented, and still trying to find his way this year," Nets coach Avery Johnson said. "Obviously, the foot injury set him back a little bit, but it's the right thing to do.

"(General manager) Billy King and I talked about it with ownership, and it just gives him a little bit more comfort. That's pretty much it. He's been a pretty good camper since he's been here. He's been very coachable. He's a likable young man. We still think he has a lot of room to improve."

It is unknown how Brooks will figure in the Nets' rotation, given that Johnson wants to play starter Joe Johnson a lot with the second unit. Brooklyn's coach also likes playing both his point guards -- Deron Williams and C.J. Watson -- together as well, forming a smaller backcourt.

Brooks has said his goal this season is to win the Sixth Man Award, but it may be difficult for him to get minutes. His defense also needs significant improvement.

"We're not sure yet," Johnson said when asked about Brooks' sixth man role Thursday. "We're not going to box ourselves in."

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