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Sacramento Kings season report card: Nigel Hayes

By Tyler Watts

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 11: Nigel Hayes #40 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 11: Nigel Hayes #40 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Sacramento Kings forward Nigel Hayes was a late addition to the team.  Today, Hayes is given a grade for his performance with the Kings this season.

Sacramento Kings forward Nigel Hayes joined the team at the end of March.  The 23-year-old bounced around a bit during his rookie season playing a total of nine games on three different NBA teams.  The Kings made a late-season commitment to Hayes and even signed him for next season (more on that story to come).

Today, Hayes goes under the red pen.  He will earn a grade for his offensive, defensive, and overall contributions to the Kings.  Then, the article will finish up with a few final thoughts.  Without further ado, let us roll right into it.

Offensive grade: F

It is worth mentioning, that Hayes did not play enough to give him a fair grade.  The sample size for the entire season is nine games and 122 minutes.  We are just focusing on his time with the Kings meaning only five contests and 105 minutes.  Add in the fact that he was adjusting to new teammates and surroundings and it is doubly difficult to throw anything definitive on Hayes.

With that said, Hayes struggled offensively with Sacramento.  He got decent run in each of his five games, but hit just eight of his 28 field goal attempts.  Hayes was also two of 12 from 3-point range and missed both of his free throw tries.  He averaged 3.6 points, 0.8 assists, and 0.8 offensive rebounds per game.

Related Story: A look at 7 upcoming free agency decisions for the Kings

Hayes earned the first failing grade of the season after stumbling upon his advanced metrics.  He earned a 77 offensive rating meaning Hayes would produce 77 points in 100 possessions.  His offensive box score plus/minus was negative 6.4 also.  It was a rough offensive time for Hayes with Sacramento.

Defensive grade: D

Hayes played better on the defensive end.  He averaged 3.6 defensive rebounds, 0.4 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.6 personal fouls per game.  Hayes’ ability to rebound appears to be his best NBA skill.

The lack of games makes it difficult to earn a high mark, but Hayes had a defensive rating of 111 and a positive 0.1 defensive win shares.  He received a D grade mostly due to lack of action.

Overall grade for 2017-2018 season: D-

Nigel Hayes earned a D minus for his five games with the Sacramento Kings.  He needs significant offensive improvements to last in the league, but his defense and rebounding appear to be serviceable.  Haynes needs to improve his 3-point shooting or stop attempting at such a high rate.  He also struggled to get to the basket and creating shots for himself in general.  Hopefully, Hayes makes vast improvements this summer.

Final thoughts

Nigel Hayes earned an overall D minus grade for his time with the Sacramento Kings.  Hayes has a lot of work to do, but he is young and had opportunities with three different teams for a reason.

The Kings inked Hayes to a two-year contract in late March, but next season is non-guaranteed.  His salary is roughly 1.38 million dollars for next year.  It would not be surprising to see Sacramento cut Hayes and use that roster spot in free agency.  The team will have cap space, and Hayes looks like an end of the bench role player at best.  Perhaps the Kings take a shot on another young talent on a relatively cheap deal.  Stay tuned to see what happens with Hayes this summer.

Next: 10 greatest individual seasons by a King

A Royal Pain provides any Sacramento Kings fans a different outlet for information on the team.   Be sure to check back with us often because we will offer unique takes that you cannot find anywhere else.  Thank you for reading.

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