Veteran Forward Nigel Hayes-Davis Joins Panathinaikos

The EuroLeague champion discusses his decision to take his talents to Athens after a successful run with Fenerbahce Beko.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Veteran forward Nigel Hayes-Davis has signed with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens after helping Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul win the EuroLeague title last season. The 31-year-old American explained that he felt it was the right time for a new chapter after giving his all in recent years, and is excited to build chemistry with his new talented teammates.

Why it matters

Hayes-Davis brings a wealth of EuroLeague experience to Panathinaikos, which already features elite talent like Kendrick Nunn and Kostas Sloukas. His scoring, defense, and versatility could help the team contend for another EuroLeague championship.

The details

After playing half a season in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, Hayes-Davis decided to join Panathinaikos, saying he felt it was the right time for a new challenge. He spoke with his family, friends, and agent before making the move, feeling that his time at Fenerbahce had run its course. Hayes-Davis is looking forward to adapting quickly to Panathinaikos' system and building chemistry with his new teammates.

  • In the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, Hayes-Davis averaged 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game for Fenerbahce.
  • This past NBA season, Hayes-Davis appeared in 27 games with the Phoenix Suns, averaging 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in 7.2 minutes per game.
  • Hayes-Davis has now signed with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Nigel Hayes-Davis

A 31-year-old American forward who has won the EuroLeague championship with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and has also played in the NBA.

Kendrick Nunn

The 2024-25 EuroLeague Regular Season MVP who currently plays for Panathinaikos.

Kostas Sloukas

The 2024 EuroLeague Final Four MVP who also plays for Panathinaikos.

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What they’re saying

“Talking over with family, friends, my agent, and myself. Everyone knows Fenerbahce was an option, and what I've done there the last few years, especially what we as a team accomplished last year, it just felt like a chapter was closed on that, and I gave my all.”

— Nigel Hayes-Davis, Forward (Panathinaikos BC)

“Just, as I always say, I would work hard, try my best to contribute defensively, offensively. I talked to the coach before we walked on the court and walked through the plays, and he wanted to remind me, don't come here and fit in, come here and just be Nigel, and we'll make it work around you. So that's some good encouragement.”

— Nigel Hayes-Davis, Forward (Panathinaikos BC)

“Well, it's just a chance to try to make it work. Obviously, it sounds very nice to have these accolades on paper, but the goal and the task and the fun comes to making good work on the court. So I'll do my best, as I'm sure they will, to try to give some nice chemistry as fast as we can. And hopefully that leads to us being able to win some games.”

— Nigel Hayes-Davis, Forward (Panathinaikos BC)

What’s next

Hayes-Davis will look to quickly integrate with his new Panathinaikos teammates and adapt to the team's system as they prepare for the upcoming EuroLeague season.

The takeaway

Veteran forward Nigel Hayes-Davis brings a championship pedigree and wealth of EuroLeague experience to Panathinaikos, joining a talented roster that will be aiming to compete for another continental title.