Hornets sign Darrell Armstrong
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Armstrong, a nine-year NBA veteran, holds career averages of 11.7 points per game and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 41.9 percent from the field and 88.8 percent from the free throw line in 502 games with the Orlando Magic. He averaged 9.4 points and 3.9 assists while playing in all 82 games for the Magic last season.
“Darrell really improves our roster for the upcoming season with his energy and great athletic ability that have made him such an effective player in this league over the years,” said Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Bob Bass. “He’s a well-respected veteran who will be a leader for us on the court, in the locker room and in the community.”
Armstrong was not drafted by an NBA franchise, but was signed by the Magic as a free agent on Apr. 8, 1995. After playing just 17 games for the Magic in his first two seasons, Armstrong played in 67 games for the Magic in 1996-97, averaging 6.1 points and 2.6 assists. His breakout season came in 1998-99 when he averaged 13.8 points, 6.7 assists and 2.16 steals en route to earning the NBA’s Most Improved Player and Sixth Man awards. The following season, he averaged a career-high 16.2 points and appeared in all 82 games. Armstrong leaves the Magic as one of the franchise’s longest-tenured players. He currently ranks in the top five of several of the team’s all-time leader categories, including games played (second), assists (second), steals (second), minutes played (fourth) and rebounds (fifth).
Known as much for his work in the community as his work on the court, Armstrong has received numerous awards and honors in recognition for his charitable efforts. He received the NBA’s Community Assist Award in March 2003 and has been recognized by The Sporting News as one of the “Good Guys in Sports” for the last four straight seasons. Armstrong is also a member of the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame and established the Darrell Armstrong Foundation for Premature Babies.
