When you hear "the '90s Bulls," it's hard not to think of legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Yet, one of the unsung heroes of those iconic teams was BJ Armstrong.
Though not always in the spotlight, Armstrong played a pivotal role in the Bulls' first three-peat from 1991-93. As a 6-foot-2 guard, he was a constant presence, playing every game and averaging 10.3 points and 3.6 assists during those championship seasons.
Armstrong's importance only grew after Jordan's initial retirement following the '93 Finals. In the 1993-94 season, Armstrong stepped up big time, earning an Eastern Conference All-Star nod.
He averaged 12.3 points and 4.0 assists, leading the league with a 45.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc. However, his time in Chicago was nearing an unexpected end.
In the 1995 expansion draft, Armstrong was the No. 1 overall pick by the newly formed Toronto Raptors. The Bulls had left him unprotected, looking to clear cap space for Jordan's return and to bring in Dennis Rodman. The Raptors saw an opportunity and seized it, but Armstrong had other plans and never suited up for Toronto.
Instead, Armstrong was traded to the Golden State Warriors, where he continued to be a productive player for parts of three seasons. While he remained effective on the court, he missed out on the chance to be part of Chicago's second three-peat.
Looking ahead, the NBA is considering another expansion, with Seattle and Las Vegas as potential new homes for franchises. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the league's board of governors is set to vote on this proposal. If approved, the process will begin to take bids, marking a significant moment for the league with substantial financial implications.
Reflecting on the Raptors' savvy move to land Armstrong back in '95 serves as a reminder for teams: if Seattle or Vegas get franchises, they're likely to make a splash in the player market right from the start.