B.J. Armstrong

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Armstrong's journey began at the University of Iowa, where he became the school's all-time leader in assists with 517 upon graduation. He also ranked sixth in steals (178) and fourth in total points (1,705), shooting .443 from three-point range over four years. As a senior, he averaged 18.6 points and 5.4 assists. Upon entering the NBA in 1989, he helped the Bulls return to the Eastern Conference Finals with 55 wins in 1990. In 1991, he contributed to their first title against the Los Angeles Lakers after a 61-win season. By 1992, Armstrong averaged double-digit scoring off the bench behind John Paxson as Chicago won 67 games and another championship.

In Their Own Story

The turning point for Armstrong came in 1993 when he locked down the starting job, guiding the Bulls to a 57–25 record and their third straight title. That season, he claimed the NBA's three-point field goal percentage crown with .453 on 63-for-139 shooting. Following Michael Jordan's abrupt retirement in 1994, Armstrong emerged as a leader, placing third on the team in scoring. He was voted a starter in the 1994 NBA All-Star Game and finished second in the league in three-point percentage at .444 while leading the Bulls to a 55–27 record. In 1995, he again finished third in scoring as Chicago posted a 47–35 record with Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Toni Kukoč.

Reader's Guide

B.J. Armstrong entered the league via the 1989 NBA draft after a standout career at Iowa. He spent his formative years with the Bulls, winning titles in 1991, 1992, and 1993. His role evolved from backup to starter depending on team needs and Jordan's availability. After his initial stint with Chicago, he was selected first in the 1995 NBA expansion draft by Toronto but refused to report, eventually trading to the Golden State Warriors. He later played for the Charlotte Hornets (acquired for Tony Delk and Muggsy Bogues), briefly signed with the Orlando Magic in March 1999, and returned to Chicago on August 30, 1999, before retiring at the end of the 1999–2000 season. He later served as a scout for the Bulls until 2005.

Did You Know?

• Armstrong finished his college career at the University of Iowa as the all-time leader in assists with 517.
• He won the NBA's three-point field goal percentage crown in 1993 with a mark of .453 on 63-for-139 shooting.
• Armstrong was voted a starter in the 1994 NBA All-Star Game after Michael Jordan retired for baseball.
• He was the first player chosen in the 1995 NBA expansion draft but refused to report to the Toronto Raptors.
• After his playing career, Armstrong served as an agent for Derrick Rose, who was the first pick in the 2008 NBA draft.