5 next Orlando Magic legends to induct into Hall of Fame
Darrell Armstrong encompassed an era of Orlando Magic basketball known as the “Heart & Hustle” teams, coached by a young Doc Rivers.
Armstrong was a holdover from the Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway era. He came to occupy a much larger role as the team hit a tough transition era, coached by Doc Rivers. Armstrong is the only player in NBA history to win both the Sixth Man of the Year and the Most Improved Award in the same season (1999), and he became emblematic of what the Magic wanted to sell to the fans: effort.
Darrell was known for never letting off the accelerator and did his best to stay fully charged, even chugging coffee and eating chocolate at halftime of Magic games. It seemed to work.
Armstrong did not have the most talent, nor was he the best athlete on the court. But his relentless pursuit of loose balls, solid shooting and, most of all, his great leadership proved his value went far beyond the 9.2 points and four assists per game he averaged over his 13-year NBA career.
Armstrong was a part of five playoff Magic teams and helped keep the team relevant throughout a period it easily could have fallen off the radar of casual Magic fans.
Past his relevant years with the Magic in the 2003 season, Darrell would play the better part of four more seasons until age 39. It was hard to keep him off the court, the entire time.
His spirited efforts and hustle are enough to warrant his selection into the hall.
Next: Tracy McGrady