B. J. Armstrong
Encyclopedia
Benjamin Roy "B. J." Armstrong, Jr. (born September 9, 1967) is a retired American professional basketball
player. As a starting point guard
, he was an integral part of the NBA
's Chicago Bulls
dynasty of the 1990s.
His playing career left him with several distinctions, including being the last Chicago Bull to wear the number 10 jersey. The jersey was retired in honor of Bob Love
after Armstrong left the team following the 1994–1995 season. Armstrong was also the first player selected to play for the Toronto Raptors
in 1996.
and attended Birmingham Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Township, Michigan
. He graduated in 1985.
as the Hawkeyes' all-time leader in assists with 517 upon graduation; and is currently ranked fourth all-time. He also ranked sixth on the school's all-time steals list (178) and fourth in total points (1,705). The 6-foot-2 guard shot .443 (136-of-307) from three-point range over his four-year career and averaged 18.6 points and 5.4 assists as a senior. Armstrong received his bachelor's degree from Iowa in May 1989.
Selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1989 NBA Draft
, the 6'2" (1.88 m) Armstrong helped the team return to the Eastern Conference
Finals after compiling a 55–27 regular season win-loss total in 1989–90
.
The following season 1990–91 he helped them win their first NBA title
against the Los Angeles Lakers
after winning 61 regular season games. In 1991–92
Armstrong averaged double-digit scoring while coming off the bench behind longtime starter John Paxson
to help the Bulls win 67 games and their second straight title. In 1992–93
he locked down the starting job, contributing to a 57–25 record and the Bulls' third straight title. He also claimed the NBA's three-point field goal percentage crown with a mark of .453 on 63-for-139.
In 1993–94
he emerged as more of a leader in the wake of Michael Jordan
's retirement, placing third on the team in scoring. He was voted a starter in the 1994 NBA All-Star Game, finished second in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage at .444 while leading the team to a 55–27 record and a second-round exit from the playoffs.
Armstrong finished third in scoring again in 1994–95 as the Bulls posted a 47–35 record, and with Jordan, Scottie Pippen
and Toni Kukoc
, led the team to the second round again.
Armstrong was the first player chosen in the 1995 NBA Expansion Draft (via Toronto Raptors) and played for the Golden State Warriors
in 1995–96
and in 1996–97. Four games into the 1997–98 season
, he was acquired by the Charlotte Hornets, playing 62 games that year. He also played 10 games for the Hornets in the 1998–99 season
before being signed by the Orlando Magic
in March of that year.
On August 30, 1999 he was again signed by the Bulls and played the 1999–2000 season and retired at the end of the season.
. Having replaced Paxson as the Bulls' starting point guard years before, Armstrong was himself replaced by Paxson as hire to the GM job in Chicago when Krause resigned in 2003. Armstrong remained with the organization as a scout for a couple of seasons, leaving in 2005.
He was employed by ESPN
as a basketball analyst in recent years for the 'NBA Fast Break' television series. Since 2006 he has also been employed by Wasserman Media Group, a sports marketing and representation group out of Los Angeles, California representing professional athletes and other entertainers.
He currently serves as an agent for Bulls point guard
, Derrick Rose
, who was the first player selected in the 2008 NBA Draft
.
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player. As a starting point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
, he was an integral part of the NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
's Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
dynasty of the 1990s.
His playing career left him with several distinctions, including being the last Chicago Bull to wear the number 10 jersey. The jersey was retired in honor of Bob Love
Bob Love
Robert ' Earl “Butterbean” Love is a retired American professional basketball player who spent the prime of his career with the NBA's Chicago Bulls...
after Armstrong left the team following the 1994–1995 season. Armstrong was also the first player selected to play for the Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
in 1996.
Early life
Armstrong was born in Detroit, MichiganMichigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
and attended Birmingham Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Bloomfield Township is the name of some places in the U.S. state of Michigan:*Bloomfield Township, Huron County, Michigan*Bloomfield Township, Missaukee County, Michigan*Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan...
. He graduated in 1985.
Playing career
Armstrong had an illustrious career at the University of IowaUniversity of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
as the Hawkeyes' all-time leader in assists with 517 upon graduation; and is currently ranked fourth all-time. He also ranked sixth on the school's all-time steals list (178) and fourth in total points (1,705). The 6-foot-2 guard shot .443 (136-of-307) from three-point range over his four-year career and averaged 18.6 points and 5.4 assists as a senior. Armstrong received his bachelor's degree from Iowa in May 1989.
Selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1989 NBA Draft
1989 NBA Draft
The 1989 NBA Draft took place on June 27, 1989 in New York City, New York, USA. It has been regarded as one of the worst drafts in NBA history, along with the 1986 NBA Draft and the 2000 NBA Draft. Though the draft produced talented players such as Shawn Kemp, Glen Rice, Sean Elliott, Nick...
, the 6'2" (1.88 m) Armstrong helped the team return to the Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NBA)
The Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams, organized in three divisions of five teams each.The three division winners and the non-division winner with the best record are seeded 1 through 4 for the playoffs in order of their records, with all...
Finals after compiling a 55–27 regular season win-loss total in 1989–90
1989-90 NBA season
-Statistics leaders:-NBA awards:*Most Valuable Player: Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers*Rookie of the Year: David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs*Defensive Player of the Year: Dennis Rodman, Detroit Pistons...
.
The following season 1990–91 he helped them win their first NBA title
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association . The series was named the NBA World Championship Series until 1986....
against the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
after winning 61 regular season games. In 1991–92
1991-92 NBA season
-Statistics leaders:-NBA awards:*Most Valuable Player: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls*Rookie of the Year: Larry Johnson, Charlotte Hornets*Defensive Player of the Year: David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs...
Armstrong averaged double-digit scoring while coming off the bench behind longtime starter John Paxson
John Paxson
John MacBeth Paxson is a retired American basketball player. He is currently the VP of Basketball Operations of the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls.-High school career:...
to help the Bulls win 67 games and their second straight title. In 1992–93
1992-93 NBA season
-Statistics leaders:-Yearly awards:*Most Valuable Player: Charles Barkley, Phoenix Suns*Rookie of the Year: Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic*Defensive Player of the Year: Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets...
he locked down the starting job, contributing to a 57–25 record and the Bulls' third straight title. He also claimed the NBA's three-point field goal percentage crown with a mark of .453 on 63-for-139.
In 1993–94
1993-94 NBA season
-Statistics leaders:-NBA awards:*Most Valuable Player: Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets*Rookie of the Year: Chris Webber, Golden State Warriors*Defensive Player of the Year: Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets...
he emerged as more of a leader in the wake of Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
's retirement, placing third on the team in scoring. He was voted a starter in the 1994 NBA All-Star Game, finished second in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage at .444 while leading the team to a 55–27 record and a second-round exit from the playoffs.
Armstrong finished third in scoring again in 1994–95 as the Bulls posted a 47–35 record, and with Jordan, Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen
Scottie Maurice Pippen is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association . He is most remembered for his time with the Chicago Bulls, with whom he was instrumental in six NBA Championships and their record 1995–96 season of 72 wins...
and Toni Kukoc
Toni Kukoc
Toni Kukoč is a retired Croatian professional basketball player. He was renowned for his versatility and passing ability; although his natural position was small forward, he played all five positions on the court with prowess and demonstrated court vision and an outside shooting touch that were...
, led the team to the second round again.
Armstrong was the first player chosen in the 1995 NBA Expansion Draft (via Toronto Raptors) and played for the Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in 1995–96
1995-96 NBA season
The 1995–96 NBA season was the 50th season of the National Basketball Association , although the league didn't celebrate this anniversary until the following season...
and in 1996–97. Four games into the 1997–98 season
1997-98 NBA season
The 1997–98 NBA season was the 52nd season of the National Basketball Association. The season ended with the Chicago Bulls winning their third straight championship and sixth in the last eight years, beating the Utah Jazz 4 games to 2 in the 1998 NBA Finals...
, he was acquired by the Charlotte Hornets, playing 62 games that year. He also played 10 games for the Hornets in the 1998–99 season
1998-99 NBA season
The 1999 NBA season was the 53rd season of the National Basketball Association . Due to a lockout, the season did not start until February 5, 1999 after a new six year Collective Bargaining Agreement was reached between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association...
before being signed by the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
in March of that year.
On August 30, 1999 he was again signed by the Bulls and played the 1999–2000 season and retired at the end of the season.
Later endeavors
Armstrong stepped into Chicago's front office as a special assistant to Vice President of Basketball Operations Jerry KrauseJerry Krause
Jerry Krause is a former professional basketball scout and general manager for, among other franchises, the Baltimore Bullets and, most notably, the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association. He is a two-time recipient of the NBA's Executive of the Year award.-Early career:Krause was...
. Having replaced Paxson as the Bulls' starting point guard years before, Armstrong was himself replaced by Paxson as hire to the GM job in Chicago when Krause resigned in 2003. Armstrong remained with the organization as a scout for a couple of seasons, leaving in 2005.
He was employed by ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
as a basketball analyst in recent years for the 'NBA Fast Break' television series. Since 2006 he has also been employed by Wasserman Media Group, a sports marketing and representation group out of Los Angeles, California representing professional athletes and other entertainers.
He currently serves as an agent for Bulls point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
, Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose
Derrick Martell Rose is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association ....
, who was the first player selected in the 2008 NBA Draft
2008 NBA Draft
The 2008 NBA Draft was held on June 26, 2008 at the Washington Mutual Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur college basketball players and other first-time eligible players, including...
.
Transactions
- Selected by the Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
in the first round (18th pick overall) of the 1989 NBA Draft. - Selected by the Toronto RaptorsToronto RaptorsThe Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
(first pick overall) in the NBA expansion draftExpansion draftAn expansion draft, in professional sports, occurs when a sports league decides to create one or more new expansion teams or franchises. This occurs mainly in North American sports. One of the ways of stocking the new team or teams is an expansion draft...
on 6/24/95. - Traded by the Raptors to the Golden State WarriorsGolden State WarriorsThe Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
for Victor AlexanderVictor AlexanderVictor Joe Alexander is a retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 1st round of the 1991 NBA Draft after playing collegiately at Iowa State University...
, Carlos RogersCarlos Rogers (basketball)Carlos Deon Rogers is a retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1st round of the 1994 NBA Draft....
and the draft rights to Martin LewisMartin Lewis (basketball)Martin Lewis is an American professional basketball player.Lewis, a 6'5" and 210 lb small forward, played competitively with Seward County Community College and Butler County Community College .Lewis was selected 50th overall in the 1995 National Basketball Association Draft by the Golden State...
, Michael McDonaldMichael McDonald (basketball)Michael Dewayne McDonald is a retired American basketball player. A 6'10" and center, he played collegiately for Utah Valley State College and the University of New Orleans. In 1990–91 he averaged 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds for Utah Valley...
and Dwayne WhitfieldDwayne WhitfieldDwayne Whitfield is an American professional basketball player. A 6'9" and 240 lb power forward, played college basketball at Jackson State University and had a brief stint in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors....
on 9/18/95. - Traded by the Warriors to the Charlotte Hornets for Muggsy BoguesMuggsy BoguesTyrone Curtis "Muggsy" Bogues is a retired American professional basketball player and former head coach of the now-defunct Charlotte Sting of the Women's National Basketball Association . The shortest player ever to play in the NBA, the Bogues played point guard for four teams during his...
and Tony DelkTony DelkTony Lorenzo Delk is an American former professional basketball player and current assistant coach for the New Mexico State Aggies men's basketball team. He was team leader of the 1996 University of Kentucky Wildcats team that won the 1996 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament...
on 11/7/97. - Traded by the Hornets with Glen RiceGlen RiceGlen Anthony Rice is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the NBA. The 6'8" tall Rice was a three-time NBA All-Star guard/forward, ranking 11th in NBA history with 1,559 three-point field goals made during his 15-year career. As a player, Rice won an NCAA Men's Division...
and J. R. ReidJ. R. ReidHerman Reid, Jr., better known as J. R. Reid , is a retired American professional basketball player for several NBA teams...
to the Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
for Eddie JonesEddie Jones (basketball)Eddie Charles Jones is an American former professional basketball player. Jones played college basketball at Temple University and was the 1993–94 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year...
and Elden CampbellElden CampbellElden Jerome Campbell is a retired American professional basketball player who played center in the National Basketball Association .-Playing Career:...
on 3/10/99. - Waived by the Lakers on 3/10/99.
- Signed as a free agent by the Orlando MagicOrlando MagicThe Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
on 3/14/99. - Signed as a free agent by the Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
on 8/30/99.
External links
- NBA Player Agent, Wasserman Media Group BJArmstrong10.com
- Career statistics databasebasketball.com
- NBA Profile NBA.com
- Catholic High School Hall of Fame Info aodonline.org
- Interview with B. J. Armstrong SportsAgentBlog.com