Damien Wilkins signing with Hornets because his flight was delayed

With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist sidelined for six months, the Hornets are signing nine-year veteran Damien Wilkins.

How he got the deal is a heck of a story.

Wilkins on his blog:

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 I 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 Charloote?” 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!

Click through to read the whole saga.

I’m not nearly as confident the 35-year-old who last played in the NBA in 2013 will make the regular-season roster. But, thanks to the reliability of flight schedules, he has a chance.