Unspecified contract complications Monday prevented the Hornets from introducing free agent Darrell Armstrong as their new backup point guard.

The team had scheduled an afternoon news conference to make the announcement at New Orleans Arena, but after an hour and 15-minute delay, team spokesman Harold Kaufman said the signing would be delayed.

"There are some items that need league approval contractually, and we hope to have this matter settled quickly," said Kaufman, who did not take questions or elaborate specifically about the contract problem.

"We hope to have this matter settled quickly," he said. "They are in the final stage of negotiations, but the contract has not been signed."

After the news conference was canceled, Hornets executive vice president and general manager of basketbal operations Bob Bass was not available for comment. He was contacted at home Monday night, and declined to say whether Armstrong had passed or failed his physical examination.