Source: Sacramento Bee

The point guard often is a team's leader, but it takes more than simply bringing the ball up the court to fill that role.

As a veteran, that's something Aaron Brooks understands. Signed by the Kings in July, Brooks had been coveted by them for several years because he's a young player (27) with experience who can grow with a young core of players.

"What I say to him is to be yourself, don't wait to lead," Kings coach Keith Smart said. "Leaders don't wait, and I'm trying to pull that out of him to lead and help players lead, because he's going to have the ball. I believe the point guard has to do that because he's going to have the ball the majority of the time."

Isaiah Thomas finished last season as the Kings' starting point guard and expects to continue in that role this season, but Brooks started Monday's preseason win over the Portland Trail Blazers and scored 16 points in 20 minutes.

Don't expect a point-guard controversy just yet. Following Monday's game, Brooks said he doesn't need to start to make an impact.

"It's just maximizing opportunity," Brooks said. "When you're open, you hit shots. The less minutes you play, the more energy you can use, so I'm happy that I'm in a situation where we have good players. Tyreke (Evans), Isaiah and Jimmer (Fredette) are good point guards, so it makes us a lot more dangerous."

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