The Sports Informant

Defense is coming back to Sacramento. At least that’s what the Sacramento Kings hope, acquiring center-forward Hilton Armstrong in a trade with New Orleans today in exchange for a 2016 draft pick.

Armstrong, who was known for his defense at the University of Connecticut before going pro after his senior season in 2006, was welcomed with open arms by the organization looking for a stopper to compliment all of the team’s young offensive weapons.

Armstrong came in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for a conditional 2016 second round pick and cash considerations, according to Kings’ President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.
 
“We’re looking forward to having Hilton join the team,” Petrie said. “He gives us an athletic player who can play the four and five positions. We think he can come in and contribute and we’re looking forward to watching him play.”
 
Armstrong, who is currently in his fourth NBA season, is averaging 2.8 points (.380 FGs, .464 FTs) and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Hornets through 18 outings. He has amassed career averages of 3.6 points (.513 FGs, .605 FTs) and 2.7 rebounds per game through 209 contests.

His numbers are hardly staggering, but the Kings don’t necessarily need another offensive statistic on the board. As has always been the case with Sacramento, the team needs better defense. The Kings hope Armstrong can bring that.
 
Selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by New Orleans, Armstrong enjoyed a four-year career at the University of Connecticut and was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.