Darrell Armstrong is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for over a decade. He was born on June 22, 1968, in Gastonia, North Carolina, and grew up in a family of basketball players. Armstrong played college basketball at Fayetteville State University, where he was a standout player and earned All-American honors.
After college, Armstrong played professionally in Europe for several years before returning to the United States to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Orlando Magic in 1994 and quickly made a name for himself as a tenacious defender and energetic player off the bench.
Over the course of his career, Armstrong played for several teams, including the New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, and New Jersey Nets. He was known for his speed, quickness, and ability to score in clutch situations. He was also a fan favorite for his hustle and determination on the court.
Armstrong's best season came in 1998-1999 when he was named the NBA's Most Improved Player. He averaged 16.2 points, 7.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game that season and helped lead the Magic to the playoffs. He also set a record for most three-pointers made in a season by a player under six feet tall.
Throughout his career, Armstrong was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a mentor to many younger players and was respected by his peers for his professionalism and leadership. He was also active in the community and was known for his charitable work.
After retiring from the NBA in 2008, Armstrong continued to be involved in basketball as a coach and mentor. He worked as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and Orlando Magic. He also founded the Darrell Armstrong Foundation for Premature Babies, which raises money for research and treatment of premature infants.
Overall, Darrell Armstrong had a successful career in the NBA and was known for his hard work, determination, and leadership both on and off the court. He remains a beloved figure in the basketball community and continues to make a positive impact through his charitable work and coaching.
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