Nigel Hayes-Davis has been one of the best international stars in recent years and his recent EuroLeague Final Four MVP proves it. While he did try it in the NBA, he only played in nine regular season games. After leading his team Fenerbahche to a title against Monaco, he wanted to say thanks to some of the NBA stars who inspired him. Like many young players, he loved the Los Angeles Lakers icon.

EuroLeague Final Four MVP Thanks Kobe for Inspiration

After scoring 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead his team against Monaco in the EuroLeague Finals, Nigel Hayes-Davis was named the MVP of the Final Four. Several hours later, he shared an emotional message to his inspiration, Kobe Bryant. In the message, he said,

“What’s up Kobe. I met you in college, your last year after a game vs. the Bucks. And like every hooper, I told you I wanted to be like you. You said, ‘Keep working hard and you’ll get there’. Simple words that changed my life. I quote you in my interviews often. The Mamba Mentality spirit continues to live. I’ll share this after we win and I’m named MVP. May it inspire someone else, like how you continue to inspire me. I know you cannot respond, but thank you for everything.”

A quote from Kobe Bryant is seen on the wall at Kettlestone Central Sports Complex on May 15, 2025, in Waukee. © Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The message shows how years after Kobe’s retirement and eventual death, he continues to inspire young basketball players. Bryant was definitely one of the legends of the game and one of the biggest stars.

Will Nigel Hayes-Davis Parlay European MVP For Return To NBA?

After going undrafted in the 2017 draft, Hayes-Davis joined the New York Knicks for their summer league. During the 2017-18 season, he played a total of nine games for three teams, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Toronto Raptors, and the Sacramento Kings.

He is one of the biggest American names playing in Europe, and it seems like there is serious interest for him to get back to the best basketball league in the world.

Recently, the general manager of Fenerbahce, Derya Yannier, revealed,

“There is serious interest in Tarik and Nigel from the NBA. I don’t know what will happen over there. These are factors that could actually weaken our hand and prolong the process during the summer. Even before they leave, it’s difficult to have a clear view in terms of budget and roster planning.”

That statement came before Hayes-Davis won the EuroLeague Final Four MVP and scored 23 points in the final. Playing in the NBA is a dream for many basketball players, but the question is whether he can get playing time and salary that can match his European income.

Hayes-Davis is 30 years old and considered a veteran player. He played most of his career overseas, appearing in games for Galatasaray, Zalgiris, and FC Barcelona. He joined Fenerbahce in 2022 and helped the team win the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time after eight years. Players over 30 in the league are mostly bench role players who get sporadic minutes. Will Nigel Hayes-Davis trade his European fame and MVP  for a chance to get some minutes for an NBA team?

Photo credit: © Milwaukee Journal Sentinel files, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC