Chuck Hayes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Chuck Hayes

Hayes with the Rockets in November 2009
Personal information
Born	(1983-06-11) June 11, 1983 (age 42) 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
First-team All-SEC (2005) Second-team All-SEC (2004) Fourth-team Parade All-American (2001)

Charles Edward Hayes Jr. (born June 11, 1983) is a retired American professional basketball player. He is currently the director of basketball operations for the Golden State Warriors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before playing professionally, he played college basketball for the University of Kentucky.

High School Basketball Star

Chuck Hayes was a standout player at Modesto Christian School in Modesto, California. As a junior, he was named to all-league and all-state teams. He set a California High School record by grabbing 31 rebounds in a championship game in 2000. In his senior year, Hayes was named "Mr. Basketball" in California. He also earned the title of a Parade All-American. He led his team to the state championship game that year. Chuck Hayes was also a talented football player, earning all-state honors as a sophomore.

College Career at Kentucky

Hayes joined the University of Kentucky (UK) in 2001. He chose UK over other top schools like Kansas. In 2002, he was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team. Over the next three years, he helped Kentucky basketball become very strong again. During his sophomore, junior, and senior years, Kentucky won 87 games and lost only 15.

The Kentucky athletics department even promoted him as an All-American candidate. Their slogan was "All He Does Is Win." Hayes was named the SEC defensive player of the year in 2004. He finished his college career as one of Kentucky's top players. He ranked 7th in rebounds, 8th in steals, and 9th in blocked shots all-time. He also tied a record for most consecutive starts with 110 games.

In 2003, Hayes was part of the USA men's Pan American Games team. He started all five games and led the team in rebounds.

Professional Basketball Journey

Starting in the NBA D-League

Even though Chuck Hayes played very well at a pre-draft camp, he was not chosen 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.

Hayes was then picked by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds in the NBA Development League (now called the G-League). This league helps players develop their skills. Hayes led the D-League in rebounding, averaging 12.2 rebounds per game.

Playing for the Houston Rockets (2006–2011)

Because many players on the Houston Rockets got injured, Hayes was signed to a short contract on January 18, 2006. In only his second game, he had a "double-double." This means he got double-digit numbers in two categories: 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Rockets then signed him for the rest of the season.

Hayes was a very effective defensive player for the Rockets. He was great at getting rebounds and steals. He also shot the ball well. The Rockets kept him for the 2006–07 NBA season. His first official NBA start was on November 4, 2006, against the Dallas Mavericks.

In the 2006–07 season, Hayes became the main starting power forward for the Rockets. His main jobs were to get rebounds, play defense, and set screens for his teammates. Coaches praised his effort. He was among the league leaders in rebounds per minute. Hayes was known for playing very physically, which sometimes led to him getting many fouls.

In 2006, Hayes signed a shoe deal with the Chinese company Li Ning. In 2007, he signed a new contract with the Rockets for $8 million over four years. He was named a co-captain for the 2009–10 season.

During the 2009–10 season, Hayes played as the starting center. This happened because the team's main center, Yao Ming, was injured. On March 23, 2011, Hayes achieved his first "triple-double." He had 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in a game against the Golden State Warriors.

Time with the Sacramento Kings (2011–2013)

On December 9, 2011, Hayes signed a four-year contract with the Sacramento Kings. However, the Kings canceled the contract after a medical exam showed a heart issue. Hayes then went to the Cleveland Clinic for more tests. Doctors there confirmed he was healthy enough to play.

So, on December 22, 2011, Hayes and the Sacramento Kings agreed to a new four-year deal.

Playing for the Toronto Raptors (2013–2015)

On December 9, 2013, Hayes was traded to the Toronto Raptors. He was traded along with Greivis Vásquez, Patrick Patterson, and John Salmons. They were traded for Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy, and Aaron Gray.

After his time with the Raptors, Hayes signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in August 2015. However, he was later released by the Clippers in October.

Return to Houston (2015)

On November 1, 2015, Hayes signed again with the Houston Rockets. This was his second time playing for the team. He played in two games before being released by the Rockets a week later.

Chuck Hayes' Playing Style

Chuck Hayes was listed as a forward in the NBA. However, he often played center for the Rockets. This happened especially during the 2009 NBA Playoffs when other players were injured. Even though he was only 6 feet 6 inches tall, which is short for a center, he was very good at playing close to the basket.

Hayes had a unique way of shooting his jumpshots and free throws. He would pause before releasing the ball. This was sometimes called a "hitch." He once caused three players to commit a lane violation on a free throw because of his unusual release. Hayes has said that his ability to find the ball on the court came from his father's influence.

After Playing: Coaching and Front Office Roles

On September 9, 2016, it was announced that Chuck Hayes would no longer play in the NBA. Instead, he took on a staff assistant and player development coaching role for the Denver Nuggets.

As of July 29, 2023, Chuck Hayes became the director of basketball operations for the Golden State Warriors. He took over part of the role from the retiring Bob Myers.

Personal Life

Chuck Hayes became a father to a baby boy named Dorian Titus Hayes on April 21, 2007. This day was also special because it marked his first career playoff start and first playoff win.

Hayes married Rochelle Jackson on August 8, 2014. They welcomed twin boys, Kaine William Hayes and Kao Asiel Hayes, on May 21, 2015. Hayes enjoys singing, acting, and playing poker in his free time.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular Season

Playoffs

See also

In Spanish: Chuck Hayes para niños