Charlotte Hornets: Greensboro Swarm Forward Damien Wilkins is Still Ballin’ at 37
Damien Wilkins is the second oldest player in the D-League but that isn’t slowing him down as he continues to perform for the Charlotte Hornets’ affiliate.
At 37-years old, Damien Wilkins would be considered a seasoned veteran in basketball. But father time hasn’t stopped him just yet as he is still getting the better of other players nearly half his age. The Charlotte Hornets‘ D-league affiliate in the Greensboro Swarm has benefited from not only his leadership and experience this season but also from his play on the court.
After playing in the NBA for nine seasons with five different franchises, Damien has loads of experience to share with young prospects at the Development League level. Even though he was never a star at the top level of basketball, Wilkins has found a way to not only extend his career into his late-30’s but do so gracefully. Having never averaged over 10 points per game in the NBA, it is a bit surprising to see him playing so well or even get a chance in the D-League but with the history between him and the Hornets, it made sense for both sides.
Damien, who is probably attempting one last ditch effort at making an NBA roster this season in his hometown, joined the Swarm for the inaugural season this year. In 2015, he was on Charlotte’s training camp roster but after failing to make the team, he decided to play in Venezuela. There was still a connection between the two sides, though, Steve Clifford and the organization obviously liked his veteran presence.
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One year later, he is with Greensboro helping young players while also helping bridge the gap for a D-League team in their first season of play. It was always going to be a difficult season in terms of results for the Swarm but by adding young players with a mix of veterans, they have had a somewhat successful year. Wilkins is by far the oldest player on the roster with everyone else being 25-years old or younger.
Despite the age difference, Damien has been one of Greensboro’s best and most consistent players this season. He is still able to keep up with the young guns by playing in 46 games and averaging 31.2 minutes per game.
Even though the team has a losing record, Wilkins has played well. The forward is averaging 14.2 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game and 3.6 assists per game so far this season. He has recorded four double-doubles this year which is the third most on the team. He is also shooting an impressive 48.8% from the field, 37.1% from three and 84.1% from the free throw line.
And Damien isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. He has actually gotten better as the season has gone on. In March, he is leading the team with 20.8 points per game. So even if head coach, Noel Gillespie, wanted to go younger with his lineup, Wilkins has played too well to bench.
Credit the veteran for staying in shape and still being able to perform in the later stages of his career. There likely aren’t too many more stops for Damien during his playing career but if he chooses to continue to play next season, I’m sure the Swarm wouldn’t mind welcoming him back.
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If you haven’t gotten a chance to watch Wilkins and Greensboro, make sure to catch one of their final games on FaceBook Live. It is impressive to see a 37-year old show the young players how it’s done. (like how Vince Carter is doing in the NBA). He might not have the explosion he used to but Damien can still ball and he’s proving it with the Swarm.