October 2, 2002
By George Galante

During the first day of training camp, Darrell Armstrong scrapped, clawed and willed the second unit to victory in two different scrimmage situations. You read correctly – the SECOND unit.

Armstrong, who holds the Magic record with 206 consecutive games played and 160 straight starts, may come off the bench in 2002-03. This situation is nothing new for the point guard. In 1998-99, the Magic’s captain captured both the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award and the league’s Sixth Man Award. Armstrong remains the only player in the history of the NBA to capture both honors during the same season.

Head Coach Doc Rivers wants Armstrong to bring the energy and spark he always provides, but wants to try and save the 34-year-old’s legs for the fourth quarter of games. Rivers will have several weapons at his disposal coming from the Magic’s bench.

In addition to Armstrong, sharpshooters Pat Garrity and Mike Miller may also take on a reserve role. This gives the Magic tremendous flexibility and opponents many different things to worry about when preparing to play against the Magic.

“With me, Darrell and Mike, you’re talking about three of our starters from last season,” said Garrity after this morning’s two-hour practice. “It’s not like you are randomly putting guys together. We are very familiar with one another and that will only help us during games. If you are bringing three-fifths of your starters off the bench this season, you had to have improved and I think we have.”

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’m coming by your house when we get home to pick up my trophy!”…Magic forward Shawn Kemp to former Magic guard and current Orlando Miracle (WNBA) Head Coach Dee Brown. Brown defeated Kemp in the finals of the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk contest.