Nigel Hayes-Davis showed out in Europe and bagged the EuroLeague Final 4 MVP to lead the Fenerbahçe to the title. Now, the Wisconsin Badgers alum face the possibility of living his NBA dream again after being away from it for seven years.
Nigel Hayes-Davis
Jul 6, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Nigel Hayes dives for a loose ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA Summer League at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Hayes-Davis, 30, last played for the Sacramento Kings. He spent the last seven years in Europe since then, having played Galatasaray, Žalgiris Kaunas, and FC Barcelona.
His 2025 season is his most successful yet in his pro career as he posted 16.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, and 1.1 spg in 39 games.
NBA scouts took notice of his performance and one of those in Europe right now is Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla according NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg.
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
May 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla coaches against the New York Knicks during the first quarter of game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
He wrote:
A quick check of our notes detailed nearly a full decade of interest between Hayes-Davis and the Celtics. And while Boston most certainly has bigger roster issues to navigate this summer, it’s fair to wonder in these late June doldrums if the now-30-year-old Hayes-Davis could be a low-cost option for Boston’s frontcourt.
Another NBA reporter Keith Smith shared the same report.
The Celtics scouting Nigel Hayes-Davis makes sense. They’ve had interest in him before. He’s coming off a string of strong seasons with Fenerbahce in Turkey and EuroLeague. Hayes-Davis has also become a good shooter too. Could be a cost-effective depth option for Boston next…
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 10, 2025
Hayes-Davis’ life after Wisconsin Badgers
Hayes-Davis had a great college career. He played four years for the Badgers and was included to the First-team All-Big Ten in 2016 and twice to the Third-team All-Big Ten (2015, 2017).
However, no NBA team drafted him in 2017. He continued working hard though, played in the G-League through the Westchester Knicks and eventually landed a roster spot with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
USATSI 9969097
Mar 24, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Florida Gators forward Justin Leon (23) during the second half in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Playing time remained elusive for him as he only played a total of nine games as an NBA pro.
Talking to Badger Notes to discuss his Europe achievements, Hayes-Davis talked about his journey from the NBA to Europe.
“I end up overseas, and you have to deal with that. As an American growing up, your dream is to play in the NBA. And when that doesn’t happen, you keep working, keep working.”
“Go to Barcelona. Worst year of my life. I’m still working and going to the gym. I get dinner. Work, work, late at night, early mornings. Landing in other cities when we have games. Going to the gym.”
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