Damien Wilkins added to Hornets' roster; finds out while delayed at airport
The Charlotte Hornets are bringing Damien Wilkins into training camp, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist injured his shoulder Saturday and will miss six months due to a torn labrum, as reported earlier on Monday.
The loss of MKG has created a need for extra practice bodies on the wing. Wilkins is a North Carolina native and NC State product, making him an easy logistical fit with camp already underway.
Wilkins recounted the serendipitous circumstances in which he was made aware of his new NBA gig:
I had signed a contract to play in Venezuela for this upcoming season and I was scheduled to leave for there this past Saturday, 10/3/2015. The first leg of my trip originated in Atlanta. I then fly to Charlotte for my connecting flight that is scheduled to take me to my final destination in Venezuela. I get to Charlotte and the connecting flight is delayed.
When (my) food finally came it was about 50 minutes until my flight was leaving. My phone rang and it was my agent, his words, "Damien! Do not get on that flight!!" He said emphatically! I asked, "so we're a go with (Charlotte)?" He said, "yes sir!!" I was so excited and in disbelief that I didn't really know how to react. I don’t remember eating any of the food I ordered and I think I walked out on the bill!
My agent told me the terms of the deal and that because for now it's a non-guarantee I'd still have lots of work to do. I told him with a great deal of confidence and excitement that the flight was cancelled and delayed and that flight crew wasn't on time for this reason. This was all God's work!! It's fate. I was supposed to have been in Venezuela already but that wasn't God's will. I'm where I'm supposed to be. There's no way I won't make this team!
The 35-year-old brings 563 games of NBA experience over nine seasons with five teams. He has career averages of 6.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 19.3 minutes and a 33 percent mark from long range.
Out of the league since 2012-13, Wilkins has spent time in China, Puerto Rico, and the D-League and competed for the United States at the Pan Am Games this summer. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 50 D-League games last season, earning All-D-League third team honors.