Vince Carter could hardly wipe the smile off of his face as he talked about the prospect of playing with Darrell Armstrong, who was expected to be signed before the Nets practice today after taking a physical yesterday.
“I’ve played against him many times,” Carter said of Armstrong, who was waived by the Pacers on Monday. “His game is ball-pressure. He’s a pain in the [butt].”
As happy as Carter is at the thought of having Armstrong in the backcourt, Jason Kidd figures to be even more pleased, since the 39-year-old will spell Kidd at the point, now that Marcus Williams is out for six weeks with a broken foot.
“Darrell is a high-energy guy,” Kidd said. “He’s been a great teammate and wherever he’s played, he’s been a plus. I think he makes me the second oldest on the team, so that’s a good thing.”
And while Williams continues to be the point guard of the future, it was apparent at times last year that he might not be ready to be the backup of the present. So even when Williams recovers from his injury, Armstrong could still play a role.
“He’s going to help Marcus as well,” said Carter, who sees Armstrong frequently during the offseason, since both live in Orlando. “He can watch Jay on the court and sit and listen to Darrell on the bench. He’s going to help everybody, he’s like a coach.”
As for the actual coach, Lawrence Frank wasn’t ready to commit to how he would use Armstrong, who he said would have to compete with Mateen Cleaves and Kendall Gill.
“Let’s see how this pans out,” Frank said.
But he credited Armstrong for having lasted as long as he has.
“He’s an energy guy, which is infectious,” Frank said of Armstrong, who averaged 5.6 points and 2.4 assists per game last year.
And given Carter’s reaction, his impending presence was already having an impact.
“He’s fearless,” Carter said, still grinning. “You hate playing against guys like him, but you’re thrilled to have him on your team.”
*
Team president Rod Thorn said that the Nets were still interested in Allan Houston, despite having signed another guard. “It hasn’t,” Thorn said when asked if Armstrong’s contract took Houston out of the team’s plans. “We’ll have to see what happens.”