Pacers Sign Butler, Howard, Jackson to Training Camp Invites

[Scoot McGroot]

and now we've signed Ron Howard to a similar contract which downplays the Butler deal. the second signing makes clear that these are just training camp players who may or may not survive to the regular season. use pencil when you add them to the roster.

With the signing of Sloan earlier in the year, I'm fairly confused by the signing of Howard. What's the point? We have 3 pgs, at least Butler could possibly do something for us.

I may have been a bit incorrect in my earlier response. Apparently, Howard DID transition to PG this past year, and that's how he had his best year.

IndyCornRows blog apparently believes Sloan to be only partially guaranteed, though I'd tend to side with Mark Deeks/Sham and assume that Sloan is fully guaranteed for 2 years.

I still think that Howard may be the most competition for Orlando Johnson. Maybe if Howard looks great we could see a tiny deal packaged of Sloan/Johnson for a similar cost big man (center) who's superfluous on his roster?

[pacers33granger]

I suppose that would make sense. I'd have to think the plan is to keep Sloan around since he was signed so early and as you pointed out likely is fully guaranteed. With the way OJ looked in summer league Howard could be competition for him. Though I think OJ's problem was just being the main scorer for the summer league team. I think he'll be just fine as a shooter off the bench for us without the pressure of having to be the main ballhandler/scorer.

[Scoot McGroot]

Last training camp invite is out:

Hilton Armstrong. C/PF, 6 year pro out of UConn. Originally a 1st round draft pick (#12 overall) for New Orleans. He's since spent time with Sacramento, Houston, Washington, and Atlanta in the NBA, and France and Greece. Most recently, he played for Santa Cruz in the NBADL. Looks to be a competitor for a 3rd center position.


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[Moooose]

Last training camp invite is out:

Hilton Armstrong. C/PF, 6 year pro out of UConn. Originally a 1st round draft pick (#12 overall) for New Orleans. He's since spent time with Sacramento, Houston, Washington, and Atlanta in the NBA, and France and Greece. Most recently, he played for Santa Cruz in the NBADL. Looks to be a competitor for a 3rd center position.


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Interesting choice. I was hoping for a younger big man with a higher upside. For a 5th big, maybe he's just right.

[Scoot McGroot]

Last training camp invite is out:

Hilton Armstrong. C/PF, 6 year pro out of UConn. Originally a 1st round draft pick (#12 overall) for New Orleans. He's since spent time with Sacramento, Houston, Washington, and Atlanta in the NBA, and France and Greece. Most recently, he played for Santa Cruz in the NBADL. Looks to be a competitor for a 3rd center position.


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Interesting choice. I was hoping for a younger big man with a higher upside. For a 5th big, maybe he's just right.

He's not shown much of anything in the NBA, but maybe some time away humbled him and allowed him to double down. Originally was Big-East defensive player of the year coming out of UConn and rode his senior season to a lotto pick (a la Kirk Haston, also with the Hornets), and proceeded to show nothing of much import. Supposedly, a specialist shot blocker.

In interviews on media day, Armstrong stated that he was told that he had a realistic chance to make the roster, but Bird was non-committal when he as asked to respond later about that comment.

I would personal think that Armstrong and Howard seem to be positioned to be most likely to make the roster, with Butler as a possibility instead if Danny isn't looking healthy to start the year. I would imagine one, maybe two make the roster. It's possible none do, though.


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[Moooose]

^ I expect Armstrong to be signed for the season as the Pacers need a 5th big. However, I would like to have Butler instead of Howard, as he is taller. I wanted him to be the team's Mike Miller or Kyle Korver off the bench. Wishful thinking maybe.

[pacers33granger]

Armstrong could actually be a solid emergency big if his head is on straight. He had talent and is still somewhat young. The coaching staff can obviously teach bigs how to defend at least adequately and we definitely need someone in the 5th big slot.

[Moooose]

He's still young. I just thought the Pacers would want an undrafted rookie or a young vet, for a project.
Anyways, I just realized Armstrong and Butler and David West were teammates back in New Orleans back then. David's recommendations? Both Armstrong and Butler were out of the league last season if I am not mistaken.

[Scoot McGroot]

He's still young. I just thought the Pacers would want an undrafted rookie or a young vet, for a project.
Anyways, I just realized Armstrong and Butler and David West were teammates back in New Orleans back then. David's recommendations? Both Armstrong and Butler were out of the league last season if I am not mistaken.

Maybe. Probably just kicking the tires on guys who are willing to take a non-guaranteed make good contract for training camp. A lot of the borderline undrafted guys would want some guaranteed money and can go to Europe, China, or the such and get it.


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[Scoot McGroot]

^ I expect Armstrong to be signed for the season as the Pacers need a 5th big. However, I would like to have Butler instead of Howard, as he is taller. I wanted him to be the team's Mike Miller or Kyle Korver off the bench. Wishful thinking maybe.

If Butler has gas left in the tank, he'll get a shot. I just think he'd be the 4th option at SF, at best, if everyone is healthy. Guaranteed scratch. I think Howard's ability to play the 1 and 2 and his loyalty to the program could by him a shot, and that OJ is going to have to stave him off.


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[Grang33r]

Whos Jackson and why is there no mention of him in this thread other then in the title? lol

[Scoot McGroot]

Whos Jackson and why is there no mention of him in this thread other then in the title? lol

Darnell Jackson. Moose has a post on page 2 about him. Former PF/C that rode the bench for the Cavs and Kings. Undersized at 6'8".

[Wizop]

he looks like a Moose but on media day he said his nickname was Block. I suspect the lack of mention is because we'd be surprised if he gets a contract past camp. for that matter, anyone past 13 would be a surprise. Butler has best chance but I think he's Granger insurance and so far Danny looks to be on track and Solo looks to be all the insurance we should need. Hilton Armstrong was high on my draft board when he came out but has done little. he's got a shot to be the 14th man.

[Scoot McGroot]

To me, Darnell and Rasual are just in bad spots if they want to make he roster. The Pacers already have West, Scola, and Copeland as 4's, and we could still play Ian and Danny there in short spurts as well. For Butler, he's got a ton Ahead of him unless Danny can't come back.

Hilton at least has a spot he could fill, and Howard is probably competing a bit with OJ, who has been a tax disappointing thus far.