Euro MVP Nigel Hayes-Davis eyes a return to the NBA in Phoenix

After rewriting EuroLeague history, Nigel Hayes-Davis stands as the ultimate example of perseverance and evolution. Is an NBA return his final plot twist?

Twitter is going off with the news of 30-year-old Nigel Hayes-Davis joining the Phoenix Suns on a guaranteed contract, his first of such in the NBA. He is a veteran baller, just not in the way you’d anticipate. However, there is a lot to love about your newest Phoenix son.

A Wisconsin Foundation

Born December 16, 1994, in Westerville, Ohio, Nigel Hayes-Davis carved out a storied college career with the Wisconsin Badgers from 2013 to 2017. As a junior, he earned First Team All-Big Ten honors, leading his team in scoring (15.7 points), assists (3.0), and free throw attempts (258), while ranking second in rebounds (5.8). His senior year saw him average 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, earning Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year honors and graduating with a degree in business finance and investment banking.

But Hayes-Davis’ legacy at Wisconsin extended far beyond box scores. Outspoken on racial justice and NCAA athlete compensation, he once held a sign reading “Broke College Athlete, Anything Helps” during a press conference, a moment that etched him into March Madness folklore.

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From NBA Taste to European Triumph

After going undrafted in 2017, Hayes Davis joined the New York Knicks’ Summer League squad, later signing a partially guaranteed deal before being waived. He spent that season with the Westchester Knicks in the G League, then embarked on a whirlwind of NBA 10-day contracts:

• Los Angeles Lakers (2018): Debuted for one minute in a win against the Knicks.
• Toronto Raptors (2018): Scored 6 points on two triples in 5 minutes; also played for Raptors 905.
• Sacramento Kings (2018): Signed late in the season before being waived in July.

For many, this revolving-door NBA chapter would have been the end. For Hayes Davis, it was only the catalyst for reinvention.

He took his talents to Europe, where his game blossomed. Here is a rapid-fire round of highlights and stats.

• Galatasaray (2018–2019): Averaged 12.6 points and 5.4 rebounds domestically, rising to 15.7 points in EuroCup play.
• Žalgiris Kaunas (2019–2021): Developed defensive versatility and three-point range, becoming a near full-time EuroLeague starter by his second season.
• FC Barcelona (2021–2022): Helped reach the EuroLeague Final Four, reuniting with coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius.

Fenerbahçe (2022–Present): His crowning chapter.

Highlights include:

• March 29, 2024: Broke EuroLeague’s single-game scoring record with 50 points against Alba Berlin.
• December 7, 2024: Dropped 33 points on Real Madrid to earn EuroLeague Round 14 MVP.
• May 25, 2025: Led Fenerbahçe to its second EuroLeague championship, posting game highs of 23 points and 9 rebounds in the final to secure Final Four MVP honors.

MOST RECENTLY: In 2024–25, he averaged a career best 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over 39 games, with a sharp 41% from deep – numbers that mark him as one of Europe’s premier forwards.

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What Could Phoenix Expect

At 6’8” and 226 pounds, Hayes-Davis brings a blend of size, skill, and maturity:

• Defensive Switchability: Guards multiple frontcourt positions.
• Improved Shooting: His 41% from deep last season bolsters Phoenix’s spacing needs.
• Playmaking IQ: Developed under Europe’s structured systems.
• Rebounding & Hustle: Consistent contributions on both ends.

Add to this his international credibility – including selection to the USA Select Team alongside LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry in 2024 – and Hayes Davis offers far more than your average minimum contract signing.

Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Off the court, he honors his stepfather through his name change in 2021 and often shares moments with his beloved cat, Sly, his self-described “grey shadow”. He enjoys blogging about his basketball career, life, and experiences.

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Final Word

If Phoenix finalizes this signing, they’re not just adding another forward to the depth chart.

They’re bringing in a EuroLeague champion at the peak of his powers, a versatile and battle-tested pro whose journey reflects grit, humility, and an ever-evolving game. For a team searching for balance, leadership, length, and defensive versatility, Nigel Hayes-Davis might be the perfect plot twist.

Want more Nigel vibes? Check out more about your newest Sun here:

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