SACRAMENTO, Calif. _ At a time the franchise is receiving national attention about social issues, the Kings are signing a player who has never been shy about speaking out about injustices that he sees.
The Kings have signed forward Nigel Hayes for the rest of the season, a league source confirmed.
Hayes, a rookie from Wisconsin, has appeared in four games this season, two with the Los Angeles Lakers and two with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 2.3 points.
Hayes was very vocal on social issues at Wisconsin, speaking out in favor of the NCAA paying athletes and for equal treatment of blacks in the justice system.
He and teammate Jordan Hill also took a step back during the National Anthem in Nov. 2016, after Wisconsin football fans wore a costume depicting president Barack Obama with a noose around his neck.
Hayes is averaging 15 points in 43 G League games this season. He played for the Westchester Knicks and Raptors 905.
