The Detroit Pistons are getting ready to face off against Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns in their annual trip to Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons have had several days off while the Suns are fresh off of a loss against the Miami Heat two nights ago.
This season, one constant criticism of the composition of the Suns’ roster is the lack of a real power forward. Before the season actually began, there were hopes that either former Euro League standout Nigel Hayes-Davis or rookie Rasheer Fleming could step into that role.
As of Dec. 15, free agents who signed with teams over the summer are now eligible to be traded, which opens the door for two Phoenix Suns players. Collin Gillespie and Nigel Hayes-Davis are the two Suns who now have the green light -- if the organization so desires.
With his European experience, Nigel Hayes-Davis now wants to establish himself as more than just a player. He wants to be a source of intelligence and leadership for his team.
Most NBA players, no matter how successful, are out of the league before the end of their 30s, or even their 20s. That leaves a lot of life left to live, and a good handful of players have made the most of their professional lives after leaving the court.
As he turned the corner around the stage and went to step onto it, new Phoenix Suns forward Nigel Hayes-Davis looked out to see all of the media assembled for media day on Wednesday.
After an incredible season in which he led Fenerbahçe to a historic treble, he just swept all domestic and continental titles, while being named MVP of the Final Four.
Media Day is a process. A carousel of generalities, stock answers, and the expected. It’s part of the game and part of the performance. Rarely does it peel back layers, but it does offer glimpses, little flashes of truth tucked between clichés.
The Phoenix Suns are using multiple players to replace Kevin Durant at power forward this season. Nigel Hayes-Davis is one of them, joining the team on July 9th after seven seasons in Europe.
Nigel Hayes last played in an NBA game during the 2017-18 season (seven years ago). That said, the 30-year-old has played well overseas, which led to him landing a contract with the Phoenix Suns.
Nigel Hayes-Davis was once among the best college basketball players in the country at Wisconsin. After a brief stint in the NBA, Hayes-Davis has spent the last seven seasons playing overseas.