On Chris Childs’ page in the Nets’ preseason media guide, the space for uniform number contains no digit; rather, it says “TBD” for “to be determined.” Childs always has worn No. 1, but it is currently assigned to Brandon Armstrong, whose future with the Nets definitely is “TBD.”
Armstrong, the last of three first-round picks last year, has struggled in his embryonic career. A great practice shooter, Armstrong has yet to show that talent in games. Guaranteed money probably kept the shooting guard on the team last season, but he was left off the playoff roster.
In the first three preseason games, Armstrong shot 0-for-6 and looked lost. So before facing Boston on Thursday, Byron Scott told Armstrong he would get quality minutes. The result: Armstrong played 24 minutes, shot 6-of-10 and scored 15 points.
“I wanted to give him a chance to really go out there and have some fun, enjoy himself,” Scott said. “He was just a different player. He was more comfortable, he knew he was going to get 20-plus minutes, and he responded.”
Last night, Armstrong played 14 minutes and scored four points on 2-of-6 shooting in the Nets’ 93-77 win over the Raptors in Toronto. He is in a battle for the final roster spot, competing with standout rookie Tamar Slay (11 points last night) and second-year pro Brian Scalabrine (four points) for two positions.
Childs could begin the season on the injury list, so the roster decision might be delayed.
One decision Armstrong has made has to do with that uniform number. Childs always wore it to signify his belief he should have been a first-round choice out of college.
“Early in training camp, we discussed giving the number to [Chris]. I just told him how I felt about it and he understood,” Armstrong said. “It’s important to me. I picked the number last year and I felt I suffered with that number and I want to prove myself this year with [it].”
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Kerry Kittles’ 17 points led the Nets, who are unbeaten in five preseason games. Jason Kidd had 12 points and six assists, and Dikembe Mutombo scored 11 points.