Brooks was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 25th pick in the 2011 NBA draft, but the Celtics immediately traded Brooks to the New Jersey Nets for the Nets' 27th overall pick in the draft (JaJuan Johnson) and a second round pick in the 2014 NBA draft. On February 8, 2012, Brooks was selected to participate in the 2012 BBVA Rising Stars Challenge. He was drafted by Team Chuck. On May 14, 2012 the NBA announced that Brooks finished 10th in the Rookie of the Year voting with 4 total points. The winner was Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving. A few days later the NBA announced that Brooks had been named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In 56 games Brooks averaged 12.6 points (3rd among rookies), 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.93 steals.