MADISON – Nigel Hayes-Davis has worked his way back to the NBA.
The former University of Wisconsin star, who hasn’t played in the league since 2018, has signed a fully guaranteed one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported June 30.
The deal should give the 30-year-old his most extensive look in the league. The 6-foot-8 forward was a part of four organizations during his only season, 2017-18. He started the year with New York but was waived before the season. He then had 10-day contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings.
Between those three teams he played nine games.
His career, however, took off in Europe.
He has played for four EuroLeague teams since 2018. He has played the past three years for Fenerbahce, competing for the team in the EuroLeague as well as Turkey’s top pro league.
In May, he led Fenerbahce to its second EuroLeague championship, claiming Final Four MVP honors after finishing with a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds in an 81-70 victory over AS Monaco in the final.
That performance proved to be Hayes-Davis’ springboard back into the NBA.
Leave a Reply