Hilton Armstrong

[Yogi]

   Hilton Armstrong is a 27 year old, 6'11 235 pound center.  He's pretty athletic, humble, hardworking kid.  He's a 4 year college player drafted too high (by his own admission!) at 12th overall.  I don't think he's been given a legit chance to show what he can do.  He will come cheap for the vet min.  However he may have signed with ASVEL in France without an NBA out.  Is it possible we can arrange a buy out?  Would you guys gamble a roster spot on him?  
   He's not a stiff, he seems to have a variety of moves although not much range.  He seems to have good handle for a big guy and knows how to use his body.  He's got good size and athleticism.  His motor is questionable.  He has good defensive tools and was a great defensive player in UCONN.  

Here's an article about him...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_pearlman/01/26/hilton.armstrong/index.html

Here's his mix...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEtKjACpQEg

Here's his stats in France and a highlight reel.  He's the first player they look at wearing number 5.  

http://www.lnb.fr/fr/Pro-A/200007/Stats-equipes/?club=VIL&from=2011&typeStat=c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LE8me9fBxGE#!

Here's a scouting report from his Draft...

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Hilton-Armstrong-NBA-Draft-Scouting-Report-2832/

[celticglaswegian]

I live in Lyon and I've seen him play 3 or 4 times since the beginning of the season. I can say that he is still a bit lost on offense, tried to use pick and roll with TP9 but didn't work well. When he's on he's a very athletic center and can make some damage on offense, especially in the french league. Defensively, he's still a really nice defensive player and can run the floor a little bit. He was coming of the bench when Turiaf has been playing here, but he has stepped up since the NBAers left.
I'm not sure he would leave ASVEL, he's a crucial piece to the team this year, I think he's trying to play a full year here before trying a comeback in the US. He could be a nice 3rd option at center for the C's, but I'm sure Ainge can find somebody else more available than him (Elson ?)

[Yogi]

Thanks for the info. TP

[Who]

Without an opt out clause, he is not an option.

I'm not much of a fan of Hilton Armstrong's anyway. An average third string center. Too weak defensively. Lost offensively. Poor rebounder.

[letsgoblue86]

No, no, nooo.  Armstrong is terrible.  Much rather give Jajuan those extra minutes, and the money could be spent much better and efficiently.

[hardlyyardley]

stiff!!

[Chris]

I'd rather go after Jason Collins as a third center (which is what Armstrong would be).  He showed he still had something left last year, as he started a handful of games for the Hawks, when they faced teams with bigger front lines.  He is the type of player who you could count on to step in if needed and give an interior defensive presence, but won't need a lot of playing time, if your other 2 centers are healthy.

[Who]

I'd rather go after Jason Collins as a third center (which is what Armstrong would be).  He showed he still had something left last year, as he started a handful of games for the Hawks, when they faced teams with bigger front lines.  He is the type of player who you could count on to step in if needed and give an interior defensive presence, but won't need a lot of playing time, if your other 2 centers are healthy.

After thinking about it the other day, I don't think Jason Collins will leave Atlanta unless he is offered a regular rotation role. He has too good a gig down there in Atlanta.

I mean in terms of being a third string center, he gets more minutes and has more responsibility than any other player in his position/role in the league.

What other team in the league is going to change their lineup and move their 3rd string center into the starting lineup in the playoffs? Give him 25-30 starts not because of injuries but because likes how he changes their team with his physical defense?

I think someone is going to have to offer him a primary backup center role to get him out of Atlanta.

[Yogi]

   Jason Collins is 33.  What attracts me to Hilton Armstrong is his youth and upside.  I feel that in the right situation he can become a very good player.  I actually have a hard time seeing what his weakness is.

[TaxiDriver2500]

   Jason Collins is 33.  What attracts me to Hilton Armstrong is his youth and upside.  I feel that in the right situation he can become a very good player.  I actually have a hard time seeing what his weakness is.

Hilton Armstrong has plenty of weaknesses. He isnt that great a ball handler and any real 4 or 5 in this league will have their way with him.

he's got serious length and could help fill out a roster though.

[nickagneta]

Armstrong signed a no opt out clause because he and his agent probably came to the conclusion that Hilton just isn't considered an NBA caliber player. He's bad defensively and only shows occasional flashes offensively. He is at best a third string center that will get in 30-50 games for 5-8 MPG on a bad team and probably not be good enough to make a good team.

The Boston Celtics are a good team.

[Drucci]

Sorry, I just can't stand the idea of signing a guy known for this :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljq59M9xXjA