Armstrong Becomes Top Expansion Pick.
Former Bulls guard B.J. Armstrong was the first choice of the Toronto Raptors, but he might never make it across the border.
Armstrong, 27, was left unprotected in a surprise move by the Bulls. He has been mentioned in trade talks with the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Bullets and might become the first ex-Raptor by Wednesday’s college draft.
The first Grizzly was Celtics Forward Rick Fox. Fox was a surprising late addition to the Celtics list as they decided to keep Dominque Wilkins for one more year. This was a major blow to the Grizzlies as Magic Johnson had banked on bringing Wilkins to kick-start the showtime era. Fox is actually a Toronto native.
The Pistons then lost a power forward in Oliver Miller who has had a lot of issues with injuries, but is a very productive player when healthy.
The Grizzlies used their second pick to select the Knicks guard Greg Anthony. Although 29, Anthony should have some very good years left him in for Vancouver.
Jerome Kersey was next selected by the Raptors and will add some scoring and athleticism to the new team. Dale Ellis the experienced swing-man was selected by the Grizzlies next, but we heard rumors that Ellis could be off to the Lakers in a deal for the Lakers 1st round draft pick this week.
Raptor General Manager Isiah Thomas took two veterans he can trade--BJ Armstrong and Miami’s John Salley--plus roly-poly Oliver Miller, who has been expanding most of his career and left Detroit at 335 pounds.
However, Thomas went primarily for young players like last season’s failed No. 1 picks, B.J. Tyler of the 76ers and Dontonio Wingfield of the Sonics. Wingfield had left the University of Cincinnati after his freshman year.
Thomas also took Maverick disappointment Doug Smith.
The Grizzlies General Manager Mitch Kupchak got one hot young player, the Nets’ Yinka Dare, and more veterans: ex-Laker Byron Scott (34), Gerald Wilkins (31), King (32), Kenny Gattison (30) and Blue Edwards (29).
Dare’s selection leaves the Nets with two centers now. Yinka Dare, last spring’s No. 1 pick whose rookie season added up to three minutes and one air ball. The Grizzlies will be hoping for a lot more productivity this season.
Net General Manager Willis Reed wanted to leave 1992 No. 1 pick Rex Walters unprotected, but Net owners told him to dangle the higher-priced Dare.
The Lakers left two players unprotected: Harvey and 33-year-old Sedale Threatt. Antonio Harvey was snapped up by the Grizzlies too.
The Clippers, with more players under contract, exposed Massenburg, Elmore Spencer, Bo Outlaw, Randy Woods and Eric Riley.
Full Draft Results: