Charlotte Hornets sign veteran small forward Damien Wilkins

The Charlotte Hornets made the signing of guard-forward Damien Wilkins official Friday.

Wilkins, 35, has played nine NBA seasons, most recently with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2013. Last season he played professionally in Puerto Rico. Wilkins, a 6-6 swingman, played college ball at N.C. State before transferring to Georgia.

He’s the son of NBA player Gerald Wilkins and the nephew of multi-time NBA All-Star Dominque Wilkins.

The Hornets have a depth concern at small forward after Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. Kidd-Gilchrist is expected to miss the season, with a projected recovery period of about six months.

In the two exhibitions since Kidd-Gilchrist’s surgery – both victories over the Los Angeles Clippers in China – Hornets coach Steve Clifford moved Nic Batum from shooting guard to small forward. Clifford has used Marvin Williams as Batum’s backup at small forward, in addition to playing him at power forward.

Wilkins has averaged 6.3 points and 2.4 rebounds in his NBA career, playing for the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons and Sixers.

Another Hornets option at small forward, P.J. Hairston, missed both games in China because of a calf strain.

The Hornets play home exhibitions Saturday against the New York Knicks and Monday against the Chicago Bulls.

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Charlotte Hornets sign veteran small forward Damien Wilkins."