Taran Armstrong passing Summer League test with lessons learned from Warriors legends

LAS VEGAS – Warriors prospect Taran Armstrong did not play a single minute in the NBA last season.

After joining the Warriors organization in February by way of Australia, he spent 11 games in the G-League on a two-way contract, and then was inactive during the postseason.

But for the 23-year-old point guard from Tasmania, the time spent around Hall of Fame teammates Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler was still invaluable.

“It was such a cool experience being in the playoff locker room, and being able to sit in and be a part of those meetings and see what goes into preparing for a game seven,” Armstrong recently told the Bay Area News Group.

He pinpointed an invaluable lesson learned from watching his legendary peers.

“Something I noticed was how heavy the guys are on routine in this league, … like everyone has their own thing and does the exact same thing every single game,” Armstrong said. “It’s obviously a system they’ve developed over years and years.”

Because he was not playing, Armstrong’s gameday routine consisted of lifting weights and then “just having to sit around.”

That has changed this summer.

Now playing the role of lead guard on the Warriors’ Summer League squad, the pass-first point guard is looking to show that he can be a contributor on the NBA team with championship aspirations.

He’s making a solid case. 

The Cal Baptist product and 2021-22 Western Athletic Conference freshman of the year has been arguably Golden State’s best player thus far.

He has averaged 7.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists across five Summer League games in Las Vegas and San Francisco. Armstrong and the Warriors will play Cleveland in their Summer League finale on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. PT.

Armstrong’s playmaking is his greatest strength, and is an adept passer out of the pick-and-roll and on the fast-break, where the 6-foot-5 floor general can use his height to create advantages for himself and teammates despite not being overwhelmingly athletic.

“He helps us settle down a little bit, with his ball-handling and playmaking ability,” Warriors Summer League coach Lainn Wilson said after a recent game.

But in a summertime exhibition where many players chuck away to the detriment of their team (and chances of making the NBA), Armstrong is actually encouraged to shoot more. 

But instead of focusing on creating for himself off the bounce, he hopes to master the off-ball shot that his legendary teammate Steph Curry has made famous. He shot 36.4% from long range on three attempts per game in Santa Cruz last season. 

“I need to be ready to shoot, especially with the three-ball, I want to take more catch-and-shoot attempts,” Armstrong said.