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TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong checks in with his thoughts on the Houston Rockets hiring Mike D'Antoni as head coach, Canadian Jamaal Murray in the draft, and more.

1. MIKE D'ANTONI (Houston Rockets): This would be the fifth head coaching opportunity for the offensive master (Denver, Phoenix, New York & LA Lakers). While I’m not sure how it's going to all work out, I am sure that James Harden will have lots of fun playing the pace of play that D’Antoni stresses.  It will be interesting to see if GM Daryl Morey can use this hiring as a tool to help lure free agents who want to play that up-tempo style. The style creates inflated stats which help players on short term deals with their next contracts as the free agent landscape over the next few years will likely become downright wacky.  That being said, you still gotta guard folks, which has never been a major point of emphasis in D’Antoni’s system.  It should be interesting to say the least.

2. JAMAAL MURRAY: The Canadian is a likely top six pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and I'm intrigued by the versatility he brings to the table. He's a combo guard who played off the ball at Kentucky but he can also run a team effectively.  Murray is a good shooter with nice playmaking skills.  He moves well without the ball and has a nice overall feel for the game. He should be a solid player at the NBA level.  So often it's about fit and style of play. He's a smart player who will put in the work needed to succeed. Given the opportunity, and he'll work to earn it, I see good things ahead.

3. DANNY AINGE & BRAD STEVENS (Boston Celtics): Both get contract extensions. There is no doubt that Celtics ownership is pleased with the direction of the team. This is also about presenting a stable and unified front to show that this is a place where free agents should look long and hard. Boston has tons of assets (in both draft picks and cap space) over the next few years at their disposal to play with.  Watch out Raptors, the Atlantic Division won't be as easy as it once was. That being said, don't sleep on Philly either.  It will take longer but they are well positioned to make a run here in the next two-to-three-years.  By the way, I find it interesting with the Stevens extension, as well as the new contract the Blazers gave to Terry Stotts, if I'm Raps head coach Dwane Casey, I've got quite a case for myself that my new contract should not only match but exceed what Stevens and Stotts got. I didn't see either one of their teams win 56 games or take a trip to the Conference Finals. I call it 'Earned Leverage'. Well deserved.

4. CHANNING FRYE (Cleveland Cavaliers): Nice pickup by GM David Griffin, the two were very familiar with each other from their days together in Phoenix, at the trade deadline and it's paid huge dividends as far as floor spacing and productivity. Frye has been terrific so far in the playoffs, averaging close to nine points per game and three rebounds per game while shooting an incredible 58% from three-point range. He is lights out on open looks, which he gets a bunch of due to the stellar ball movement of his teammates. He'll be a big x-factor for the Cavs in the Finals and I can see Coach Steve Kerr often playing small when he's in the game to counteract his presence.

5. ANDRE IGUODALA (Golden State Warriors): Iguodala is a huge piece of the Warriors’ efforts. He was so important last year when they won the title and has helped them so much to this point this season. His versatility and ability to guard multiple positions is huge. LeBron is quite a force to deal with and he'll have to take on that job often. He's a wonderful playmaker as well. Can't state how important he is other than to say ‘watch him!’  He'll be out there more than ever. Golden State needs him big time to beat the improved Cavs again.