Armoni Brooks, who played for the Nets last season, is looking to improve his game at both ends of the floor during his first season in Europe, Eurohoops.net relays. Brooks signed a two-year contract with Italy’s Olimpia Milano in June.
“I think offensively, I need to learn to read and react to situations a little faster. I’m already good at playing off the ball but maybe I can play the pick-and-roll a little more often,” he told the Italian team’s website. “Defensively, I have to improve my awareness of situations away from the ball, not allow cuts from behind, pressing the ball when I defend a person who is dribbling, stay in front of him, don’t allow (him) to get to certain angles.”
Brooks appeared in 10 games for the Nets on a two-way contract before being waived in January. He averaged 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10.4 minutes for Brooklyn but made just 32.6% of his shot attempts from the field.
The 26-year-old, who has also suited up for the Rockets and Raptors since making his NBA debut in 2021, spent the rest of the 2023/24 season with the Clippers’ G League affiliate. He appeared in 28 games for the Ontario Clippers.
Former Milan guard Keith Langford, who also had a short stint with the Spurs, endorsed Brooks’ decision.
“I texted him in the summer to tell him I signed here. He was super excited. He told me that I would love it here, and he gave me some advice on adjusting. He says it’s a great opportunity for me,” Brooks said.
Brooks joined an Olimpia Milano team that has won three straight Italian League titles but struggled in EuroLeague competition last season, finishing just 15-19 and missing the playoffs.
“I’m not sure what to expect because I’ve never played here; so, now I’m mostly trying to read the situations. But I think this is a good group and if we can come together well, we can do great things,” he said.
I can’t think of a better fit than Armoni Brooks playing for EA7 Emporio Armani Milano.