Chuck Hayes facts for kids
Hayes with the Rockets in November 2009
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 11, 1983 San Leandro, California, U.S. |
| High school | Modesto Christian School (Modesto, California) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Kentucky (2001–2005) |
| NBA Draft | 2005 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 2005–2015 |
| Coaching career | 2016–2018 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 2005–2006 | Albuquerque Thunderbirds |
| 2006–2011 | Houston Rockets |
| 2011–2013 | Sacramento Kings |
| 2013–2015 | Toronto Raptors |
| 2015 | Houston Rockets |
| As coach: | |
| 2016–2018 | Denver Nuggets (assistant) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Charles Edward Hayes Jr. (born June 11, 1983), known as Chuck Hayes, is a former American professional basketball player. He used to play as a center or power forward. After retiring from playing, he became a director of basketball operations for the Golden State Warriors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also played college basketball for the University of Kentucky.
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High School Success
Chuck Hayes was a star player at Modesto Christian School in Modesto, California. When he was a junior, he was named to the all-league and all-state teams. In a championship game in 2000, he set a California high school record by grabbing 31 rebounds! In his senior year, he was named "Mr. Basketball" in California. He also earned the title of Parade All-American. He led his team all the way to the state championship game. Chuck was also a talented football player, earning all-state honors as a sophomore.
College Basketball Journey
In 2001, Chuck Hayes chose to play for the University of Kentucky (UK). He was a key player from the start. In 2002, he was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team. Over his last three years at Kentucky, his team had an amazing record of 87 wins and only 15 losses. They were ranked among the top teams in the country.
During his senior year, Kentucky promoted him as an All-American candidate. Their slogan was "All He Does Is Win." Even though he didn't become an All-American, he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. Chuck finished his college career as one of Kentucky's all-time best. He ranked 7th in rebounds, 8th in steals, and 9th in blocked shots. He also tied a school record with 110 consecutive starts. In 2003, he played for the USA men's Pan American Games team. He led the team in rebounds per game.
Professional Career
Starting in the NBA Development League
Even though Chuck Hayes was a great college player, no NBA team picked him in the 2005 NBA draft. However, the Houston Rockets signed him before the 2005–06 season. After playing in some preseason games, he was cut from the team. He then joined the Albuquerque Thunderbirds in the NBA D-League. He was a standout player there, leading the league in rebounding with 12.2 rebounds per game.
Playing in the NBA
Houston Rockets (2006–2011)
Because of many injuries on the Houston Rockets team, Chuck Hayes got another chance. He signed a 10-day contract with them on January 18, 2006. In just his second game, he had a "double-double" (meaning he got double-digit numbers in two stats). He scored 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds! The Rockets were impressed and signed him for the rest of the season.
Chuck quickly became an important defensive player for the Rockets. He was great at rebounding and stealing the ball. In his first full season, he ranked 3rd among rookies in rebounds per 48 minutes. The Rockets picked up his contract option, keeping him for the 2006–07 NBA season. He made his first official NBA start on November 4, 2006.
Chuck was known for his strong defense and rebounding. He wasn't usually the main scorer, but his coaches praised his hard work. He even signed a shoe deal with a Chinese company called Li Ning. In 2007, he signed a four-year contract with the Rockets. By 2009, he was named a co-captain of the team.
During the 2009–10 season, Chuck played as the starting center. This happened because the team's main center, Yao Ming, was injured. On March 23, 2011, Chuck achieved his first career "triple-double." He had 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win against the Golden State Warriors.
Sacramento Kings (2011–2013)
In December 2011, Chuck Hayes signed a big contract with the Sacramento Kings. However, the Kings initially canceled the contract. This was because a medical test showed a heart issue. Chuck quickly went to the Cleveland Clinic for more tests. Doctors there confirmed that his heart was healthy, and he was cleared to play. The Kings then signed him to a new contract.
Toronto Raptors (2013–2015)
On December 9, 2013, Chuck was traded to the Toronto Raptors. He played for the Raptors until 2015. After that, he briefly signed with the Los Angeles Clippers but was later waived.
Return to Houston (2015)
In November 2015, Chuck Hayes returned to the Houston Rockets for a short time. He played in two games before being waived again a week later.
Player Style
Chuck Hayes was listed as a forward in the NBA. However, he often played as a center for the Rockets. This was especially true during the 2009 NBA Playoffs when their main centers were injured. Chuck was only 6 feet 6 inches tall, which is short for an NBA center. But he made up for his height with his strength and smart play. He was known for his strong defense and ability to grab rebounds.
He had a unique way of shooting free throws and jump shots. It was called a "hitch" because he would pause before releasing the ball. Chuck said his father helped him develop his "nose for the ball," meaning he had a great sense of where the ball would go.
Life After Playing
Coaching and Front Office Roles
On September 9, 2016, Chuck Hayes announced he would no longer play in the NBA. Instead, he joined the Denver Nuggets as a staff assistant and a player development coach. This meant he helped players improve their skills.
Later, on July 29, 2023, it was announced that Chuck Hayes would become the director of basketball operations for the Golden State Warriors. In this important role, he helps manage the team's basketball-related activities.
Personal Life
Chuck Hayes is a family man. He became a father to his son, Dorian Titus Hayes, on April 21, 2007. That same day, he also made his first career playoff start and got his first playoff win! He married Rochelle Jackson on August 8, 2014. They have twin boys, Kaine William Hayes and Kao Asiel Hayes, born on May 21, 2015. Chuck also enjoys singing, acting, and playing poker.
