opportunity (n.) - a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

Via Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel:

Before intermission, the Magic honored former point guard Darrell Armstrong, now a Mavericks assistant coach. Armstrong, 42, known for his crowd-pleasing hustle during a nine-year career in Orlando, received a standing ovation with fans chanting, "Darr-ell! Darr-ell!"

 

Armstrong, a self-made player who won the NBA most-improved player award in 1998-1999, said playing for the Magic was "special."

 

"Nine years; it's special to me," said Armstrong, a non-drafted point guard out of Fayetteville State.

 

"I've been a free agent, working my way in practice. When I got the opportunity, I took advantage and kept that door closed. I wasn't looking back. I've always said, 'Give me five minutes [of playing time], I can make into 10. Give me 10 minutes, I'll give you 20.'

 

"That's how I got through my career, with the heart and the hustle. It paid off."