2012 NBA Trade Deadline: New Jersey Nets Must Keep MarShon Brooks

There have not been many things the New Jersey Nets should be excited about recently. However, something they should be excited about is rookie MarShon Brooks.

The Boston Celtics drafted Brooks with the 25th pick and immediately traded him to the Nets. Brooks had a solid senior year with Providence and was the second-highest scorer in the NCAA. Comparisons to Kobe Bryant were made and the Nets have gotten to see why this season.

Brooks has been the steal of the draft so far and is among the leading rookie scorers. He has been given the opportunity to play significant minutes this season and has played well. Brooks is averaging 13.9 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game and 2.1 assists per game. And in the Nets' most recent win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooks had 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting.

Brooks should draw interest from teams, including the Orlando Magic, who could be shopping Dwight Howard. Also, teams looking for a young scoring threat or looking to rebuild could try and dump some older talent in order to bring Brooks in.

However, the Nets should do whatever they can to keep him. Plain and simple, Brooks is a scorer and could be one of the Nets' top scorers for years to come.

Depending on what happens with Howard, Deron Williams and Brook Lopez, the Nets could have their point guard, shooting guard and center positions locked up for the future, as well as their power forward position with Kris Humphries. Keeping Brooks would only help make them a complete all-around team, which is important in being successful in this league.

When the Nets move to Brooklyn next season, they must do so with Brooks on their roster.