HOUSTON — Aaron Brooks likes proving doubters wrong, and he did it this season, even though the Rockets could not.
The speedy, 6-foot point guard was named the NBA’s most improved player Thursday, after setting career highs in points (19.6 per game), assists (5.3) and rebounds (2.6). His scoring average went up 8.4 points from 2008-09, the highest increase of any qualifying player.
The Rockets finished 42-40 and missed the playoffs, an expected outcome after Yao Ming missed the season with a foot injury.
Brooks earned 403 of a possible 615 points, including 62 first-place votes, from a panel of 123 sports writers and broadcasters. Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City, George Hill of San Antonio and Marc Gasol from Memphis tied for second with 101 points each.
NBA levies fines.
Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy and forward Matt Barnes were fined $35,000 apiece for publicly criticizing game officials.
