After a summer filled with various trade scenarios in a potential Dwight Howard trade, MarShon Brooks proudly walked through the Barclays Center wearing his Brooklyn Nets home jersey on Media Day. With repeated trade speculation behind him, Brooks was all smiles and displayed a leaner 200-pound physique.

I caught up with the 6-foot-5 shooting guard to discuss his new role as Brooklyn’s top reserve off the bench and competing for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award.

“I’ve just got to create extra shot opportunities and go out there and just score, that’s what I do,” said Brooks. “Try to go out there and just try to be aggressive at all times. Try to keep pressure on the defense when I come off the bench. Whoever I come in for, just try to raise the energy level if we're lacking energy in the group.”

Last season, in 56 combined games, Brooks’ true shooting percentage and effective field goal percentage were significantly higher in Nets' victories than losses. In 18 Nets' wins during that span, Brooks had a 54 percent true shooting percentage and a 51 percent effective field goal percentage. Conversely, in 38 Nets losses during that span, Brooks had a 49 percent true shooting percentage and a 45 percent effective field goal percentage.

In addition, Brooks’ field goal percentage was 47 percent in Nets wins and 41 percent in losses.

As Brooks enters his sophomore season, he’s eager to learn more moves from his newest teammate, six-time All-Star Joe Johnson. 

“I think we have similar games,” said Brooks. “(Johnson) likes to play on the floor and create his own shot as well, just like me. I’ll just try to pick up anything possible, honestly. He had a couple of moves that I like that he’s been hitting people with the last couple of weeks so I’m just going to try and watch his every move and just try to borrow those little things from him.”

Despite acquiring Johnson, Nets' general manager Billy King remains high on Brooks and expects the two to work well together.

“I think Marshon is going to learn a lot from Jerry Stackhouse and Joe Johnson, those guys that have played that position for a long time,” said King. “He was thrown in early to be a scorer for us. Now he’s going to be in a different role. I don’t think Marshon should just concede to being a sixth man. I think he should always go into training camp with the idea that he wants to start. He’s got the tools and abilities.”

For now, King wants Brooks to become Brooklyn’s version of Jason Terry, Manu Ginobili, or James Harden.

For Brooks to do so, his shot selection will be key as he receives less minutes behind Johnson.

In addition to his new role as a sixth man, Brooks is excited about opening the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the Nets’ first game against the division rival New York Knicks.

While Brooks acknowledged there is indeed a new rivalry in the battle of New York, he’s quick to point out the bigger picture for Brooklyn.

“I think the team we put together is a very good team, not just to compete with the Knicks,” said Brooks. “Everybody is excited about the New York rivalry and that’s cool, we play them first, but we’re thinking deep. We’re going to make a run in the playoffs possibly if we just go out there and play hard.”

Before leaving, Brooks gave me his prediction on which team will win the opening night matchup between the Nets and Knicks.

“The Knicks have a very good unit,” said Brooks. “(Knicks) have a very good solid core and frontcourt. In order to beat the Knicks you’ve just got to match their intensity. It’s going to be a good game. It’s going to come down to the last two possessions, but I feel like if we just execute, and do what we want to do down the stretch, we’ll be able to win that game.”