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Is Brandon Armstrong the worst player in the NBA?

  • Yes

    Votes: 4 66.7%
  • Yes

    Votes: 2 33.3%

Is Brandon Armstrong the worst player in the NBA?

1K views 24 replies 14 participants last post by  Markoishvili 
#1 ·
I think he is the worst player in the history of the NBA. He would even suck if he was in the NBDL. I was wondering, why can't the Nets just cut him instead of Pack when we sign Hubert Davis? We could have cut him instead of Mikki Moore to make room for Eddie Griffin too. Why is he activated instead of Slay? I would rather eat the rest of his contract than see him play another minute with the Nets. God he is horrible.
 
#2 ·
Watch Slavko Vranes then tell me who is worse.
 
#3 ·
The kids not that bad, hes got a tonne of skill. Its just he is a combo guard scorer like Courtney Alexander, or Jason Terry, he needs time to get into his rythm.

But by the time he gets in theres only 2 minutes left, or by the time he gets warm, the starters are subbed back in. I think he could be a servicable backup in atlanta, where they are lacking guards.
 
#5 ·
Re: Armstrong

Originally posted by <b>LesterLazlo</b>!
If Scott had given Armstrong the opportunity that Sixers have given Korver (which could never happen, as Scott is not a good or supportive coach), I would have better insight into BA's game.
Exactly right, hes always had a nice stroke on him, especially from 3 point land. He does look shakey at point though, i admit.
 
#6 ·
Armstrong

You are correct there. Armstrong IS NOT a PG. Maybe in college he could have gotten some minutes at the point, but this is the NBA.

Just look at the problems Zoran is having. And he was a TOP NOTCH PG in Europe.

Welcome to the realities of the NBA.
 
#7 ·
Also the reality of the Nets offense. It's not easy to be a back-up PG on an offense built around the best floor general in the world. Other teams can run combo guards at the point. The Nets can't, at least until they install other play-makers into the offense, such as a play-making pivot. It's not like Lu backs up Kidd any better.

I agree with LesterLazlo - we simply haven't seen enough of Armstrong to be so down on him. He certainly hasn't looked effective as a Net, but he hasn't received a fair shot either at proving himself either way at the NBA level. The Nets won't be the team that gives him that shot.

shazha makes a good point in BA's defense, too. Some Nets take all the shots they want, even when they're missing. Other Nets, like Armstrong or Scalabrine, aren't allowed to find their scoring game. 3.4 FGA (Veal) or 2.7 FGA (BA) over sporadic PT isn't enough for anybody to find a shooting rhythm, and these guys were drafted as scorers - but, again, they're not allowed to establish themselves as scorers on this team.
 
#8 ·
And we could have gotten Gilbert!

:mad: :devil: :no: :| :dead: :sour: :cry: :heart: :rolleyes:
 
#12 ·
Re: Could Have Gotten

Originally posted by <b>LesterLazlo</b>!
Nets could have gotten Arenas AND Carlos Boozer.

So much for the GENIUS of Thorn.
Don't forget Tony Parker.
 
#13 ·
Originally posted by <b>DeezNets</b>!
Sasser is probably better. Armstrong looks scared stupid on the court. I don't doubt his skills, but he gets way too nervous once the game starts.
Really? He looks pretty comfortable when the camera shows him at his courtside seat.

Seriously . . . I think a part of his poor play is that he's put in such a tough spot by his coach. Lu is going to play in front of him no matter what, and there's very little he can do to crack the rotation. Just look at the Scalabrine-Rogers situation. Rogers clearly deserves to be demoted, but Scott uses him anyway. If Veal can't crack the rotation after what he's proven, then Armstrong has little to no hope. He hasn't received a fair chance to prove what he can do on the NBA level and what he can do for the Nets. If he's over-anxious in the few minutes he gets to play, I don't blame him - he's been set up for failure by his coach.
 
#14 ·
Re: Could Have Gotten

Originally posted by <b>LesterLazlo</b>!
Nets could have gotten Arenas AND Carlos Boozer.

So much for the GENIUS of Thorn.
So could any of the other 28 teams. Hindsight is 20/20.
 
#15 ·
While I don't believe Armstrong is the worst player in the NBA, I do believe his inability to contribute to the Nets kills the Nets.

I also get sick of the excuses made for Armstrong. I place his position in the NBA squarely on his shoulders. Players like Kyle Korver (who still pains me to see on another team) were not given minutes as a gift, they earned them. The way Korver plays for the 76ers, he makes it impossible for them NOT to play him. The most favorable description for Armstrong would be that he is a tease, but even that would be going too far.
 
#16 ·
While I don't believe Armstrong is the worst player in the NBA, I do believe his inability to contribute to the Nets kills the Nets.

I also get sick of the excuses made for Armstrong. I place his position in the NBA squarely on his shoulders. Players like Kyle Korver (who still pains me to see on another team) were not given minutes as a gift, they earned them. The way Korver plays for the 76ers, he makes it impossible for them NOT to play him. The most favorable description for Armstrong would be that he is a tease, but even that would be going too far.
Well, yes and no.

In Korver's first 18 games played, he shot a COMBINED 5/21 from 3, and actually WORSE from 2-pt range. The most minutes he played in those games was 11, and he probably averaged around 5.

Korver eventually flashed in his 19th game against the Jazz, where he hit 4/5 from 3 in 17 minutes played. Since then, Korver has been given - and earned - semi-regular PT as a situational 3-pt shooter. He doesn't do much else, but he's definitely a viable option for Ayers.

Now, Armstrong has delivered TWO comparable games this season to Korver's break-out game. In his 2nd game, on Nov 1st against the Wizards, BA went 6 of 10 / 1 of 2 from 3 / 13 points / 18 minutes. In his 10th game, on Nov 18 against the Hornets, BA went 4 of 6 / 2 of 2 from 3 / 10 points / 15 minutes. After NEITHER game, did Scott follow up with an extended opportunity for BA to earn a greater role on the team - even as a Korver-type specialist.

In single minutes played and/or garbage time, both have shot comparably poorly. BA has looked pretty awful in those games; beyond the stat-lines, I don't know if Korver looked any better.

So, yes, Korver has earned his minutes. And no, Armstrong hasn't been given a similar opportunity by Scott to help the Nets.

As I said, just look at how Scott handles the Rogers/Scalabrine role. I don't exonerate Armstrong, but I can't entirely blame him either.
 
#17 ·
In Korver's first 18 games played, he shot a COMBINED 5/21 from 3, and actually WORSE from 2-pt range. The most minutes he played in those games was 11, and he probably averaged around 5.
Keep in mind that this is also Korver's rookie season and there was a transition between college ball and the NBA.

Korver eventually flashed in his 19th game against the Jazz, where he hit 4/5 from 3 in 17 minutes played. Since then, Korver has been given - and earned - semi-regular PT as a situational 3-pt shooter. He doesn't do much else, but he's definitely a viable option for Ayers.
No offense, but the "situational 3-pt shooter, who doesn't do much else" is a horrible stereotype perpuated by Nets fans about Korver. I do not know if it is because we traded him or what, but it is about as accurate as other teams' fans saying how Martin/Jefferson are nothing more than puppets of Jason Kidd.

Living outside of Philly (relatively) I usually watch the 76ers when the Nets aren't on and Korver is a respectable player. Yeah his strength is hitting the three ball, but he is not a liability out while doing so. Korver is a legit option off the bench.

In single minutes played and/or garbage time, both have shot comparably poorly. BA has looked pretty awful in those games; beyond the stat-lines, I don't know if Korver looked any better.
I am basing my impression purely off of watching both players. They are not even in the same league IMO.

If you give Korver any space at all, he will hit his open shots with a level of consistancy that is scary.

The only thing scary about Armstrong is his level of inconsistancy

Even if there was no Kyle Korver, if there was no Byron Scott, I do not think Brandon Armstrong would be any different. He is a small college player that is not going to make the transition to the NBA game. I have felt that way for awhile, I hope I am wrong, but I just do not see anything in him at all.

And no, Armstrong hasn't been given a similar opportunity by Scott to help the Nets.
I understand Scott has his flaws as much as any Nets fan, but I just do not buy the "incompetence" argument regarding how he handles some players. He may have cases of severe lack of judgement at times, but he is a pro coach and has a certain level of basketball knowledge. I do not believe Scott is so unable to see what he has in Armstrong (who is supposed to have a skill set similiar to what the Nets are lacking on their roster), that he is just letting Armstrong rot away. And IF Scott is somehow that "incompetent", I have faith that Rod Thorn knows enough about basketball to make it clear to Scott to develop and play Armstrong more.

In this example I think the problem falls squarely on Armstrong's ability, or inability, to play NBA basketball.
 
#18 ·
Originally posted by <b>NYCbballFan</b>!


Well, yes and no.

In Korver's first 18 games played, he shot a COMBINED 5/21 from 3, and actually WORSE from 2-pt range. The most minutes he played in those games was 11, and he probably averaged around 5.

Korver eventually flashed in his 19th game against the Jazz, where he hit 4/5 from 3 in 17 minutes played. Since then, Korver has been given - and earned - semi-regular PT as a situational 3-pt shooter. He doesn't do much else, but he's definitely a viable option for Ayers.

Now, Armstrong has delivered TWO comparable games this season to Korver's break-out game. In his 2nd game, on Nov 1st against the Wizards, BA went 6 of 10 / 1 of 2 from 3 / 13 points / 18 minutes. In his 10th game, on Nov 18 against the Hornets, BA went 4 of 6 / 2 of 2 from 3 / 10 points / 15 minutes. After NEITHER game, did Scott follow up with an extended opportunity for BA to earn a greater role on the team - even as a Korver-type specialist.

In single minutes played and/or garbage time, both have shot comparably poorly. BA has looked pretty awful in those games; beyond the stat-lines, I don't know if Korver looked any better.

So, yes, Korver has earned his minutes. And no, Armstrong hasn't been given a similar opportunity by Scott to help the Nets.

As I said, just look at how Scott handles the Rogers/Scalabrine role. I don't exonerate Armstrong, but I can't entirely blame him either.
Great posts man, actually all your posts are really good. good stuff. :)
 
#19 ·
Re: Could Have Gotten

Originally posted by <b>LesterLazlo</b>!
Nets could have gotten Arenas AND Carlos Boozer.

So much for the GENIUS of Thorn.
Zach was on the board when Collins was drafted. Gilbet was on the board when Armstrong was selected.

-Petey
 
#20 ·
Re: Re: Could Have Gotten

Originally posted by <b>MJG</b>!

So could any of the other 28 teams. Hindsight is 20/20.
Hey MJG, we're just bitter cause of our record. Let us complain!

LOL.

-Petey
 
#21 ·
Originally posted by <b>DeezNets</b>!
Sasser is probably better. Armstrong looks scared stupid on the court. I don't doubt his skills, but he gets way too nervous once the game starts.
Armstrong, Slay, and even Scalabrine all look anxious when they get in the game. Even in garbage time, they're playing for their basketball lives. Every game is an audition, because you never know what free agent the Nets are gonna pick up tomorrow.

BA almost always takes a jumper the first chance he gets, but so does Slay and so does Veal. They're trying to prove that they deserve more minutes. Unless Armstrong gets a consistent 10 minutes or so a game, which he obviously never will, we'll never know how good, or how bad he really is.
 
#22 · (Edited)
The talk of the bench's poor play is in a way misleading. The system is designed to give a chosen set of players their fill of shots. In order for the bench to score, it has to come from Lu, A-Train and/or Rogers because they're the only ones on the bench designated to take their fill of shots. If they're out, their shots mostly revert to the starters.

The Nets' DEEP bench players can't count on scoring to break the rotation. They won't get the PT, plays won't be run for them and/or they won't get the shots.

Slay, Armstrong and Veal were all drafted for their scoring ability. But, when they had good offensive showings this season, they didn't receive a fair chance to follow up and establish a rhythm. It almost seems like PT is reduced following a good offensive showing. Recently, Veal was rewarded for 4/6 in the Mavs game - with his typical solid floor game - with 3 garbage minutes against the Spurs, then, 2/4 in the Heat game with 4 garbage minutes against the Celtics. (I'm sure a similar pattern will emerge with BA and TS.) It also can be argued Scalabrine should have received MORE shots against the Mavs and Heat, as he was one of the better shooting Nets in both games. His role on the team conspicuously limits his touches in the post, despite being drafted as an inside-out scorer and his evident skill level in the paint area.

Scalabrine is the best example of a prejudiced shot distribution, due to his increased PT. While his PT has gone up, his FGA has remained suppressed. Rogers and Scalabrine basically compete for the same minutes with similar roles, except for one facet. In 21 more minutes (520-499), Rogers has taken 83 more shots (192-109). Rogers averages 6.4 FGA per game compared to Veal's 3.3, which is the lowest of any Net with consistent PT. Few of those shots have been taken in the paint area. (BTW, with the 21 minutes, Rogers also has 21 more TOs than Veal - 44-23.) The point is, Veal has earned his minutes this season despite being barred from the scoring strength of his game.

Armstrong and Slay lack Veal's all-around utility game, so if they can't shoot their way into the rotation, there isn't much else they can do to carve out minutes. Even with Scalabrine, he isn't rewarded for making shots, is punished for missing them, and his minutes have been returned to Rogers anyway. They're anxious not because of any reward, there isn't any, but because they fear the penalty for missing shots. It's tough enough as a deep bench player on the Nets to receive a fair chance to succeed - or fail. Then, to also be blamed for the team's poor bench scoring seems downright unfair.

Hopefully, the system will adjust better to incorporate Eddie Griffin and Hubert Davis.
 
#23 · (Edited)
More bench thoughts

Basic disagreements with Scott's bench use . . .

Despite Harris' struggles, neither Armstrong nor Slay has received an extended trial period at the back-up SG, despite flashes of offense. For that matter, neither has Planinic.

Despite RJ's heavy minutes and his self-admitted wear from summer play, Slay hasn't and Damone Brown didn't receive an extended trial period at back-up SF. RJ was very effective as an athletic wing off the bench his rookie season. The Nets' bench carries no athletic wing to sub for RJ - it jumps from 6'5 190 lb SG Harris to 6'7 250 lb PF Rogers and 6'9 240 lb PF Scalabrine.

Despite the struggles of the Nets' half-court offense, they haven't employed an obvious fix - Scalabrine at his natural pivot position. After all, a triple-threat interior play-maker works well in the Kings' motion offense. Instead, they beat the teams, like the Celtics, they can still beat using the same old, same old, and then grumble about the bench and rebounding when they lose to the teams who have adjusted defensively to the Nets lone-playmaker motion offense.
 
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