Kendric Davis: NBA, Suspension, Brother, Salary & Family

Few stories in Australian basketball pack as much drama as Kendric Davis’s rapid rise, public fall, and resilient comeback. From going undrafted out of Memphis to becoming the NBL’s most talked-about import, his path has been shaped by family tragedy, a league suspension, and a lucrative contract extension that keeps him in Sydney.

Born: May 14, 1999 ·
Height: 5’10” (1.79 m) ·
Position: Point guard ·
Current team: Sydney Kings ·
College: TCU / Memphis ·
NBA Draft: Undrafted (2022)

The pattern: Davis’s career has been a series of high-stakes moves — from college transfer to undrafted free agent to NBL star — each accompanied by a personal or professional turning point.

Did Kendric Davis play in the NBA?

What is Kendric Davis’s NBA draft status?

• Davis went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft after a standout senior season at Memphis (ESPN (NBL reporter)).

Did he sign with an NBA team after college?

• He signed a Summer League contract with the Memphis Grizzlies but did not make the final roster (Wikipedia).

Has he appeared in an NBA regular-season game?

• No. After Summer League, Davis joined the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL and later the Sydney Kings, never securing an NBA roster spot.

The implication: Davis’s skill set — elite scoring and playmaking at 5’10” — has translated superbly to the NBL, but his size and defensive limitations have kept NBA doors closed so far.

Why was Kendric Davis suspended?

What happened during the Adelaide vs Melbourne game?

• On November 17, 2024, during an Adelaide 36ers game against Melbourne United, Davis was involved in an off-court incident with a spectator. The NBL Single Member Tribunal charged him with inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator (ESPN (NBL reporter)).

How long was Kendric Davis suspended?

• The tribunal issued a two-game suspension. The base penalty for such an offense can reach 10 games, but mitigating factors shortened it to two (ESPN).

Did he appeal the suspension?

• Davis did not appeal and served the suspension by missing games against the JackJumpers and the Bullets (ESPN). He later issued a public apology.

What happened to Kendric Davis’ brother?

When did Kendric Davis’s brother die?

• Kendric Davis’s brother was killed in a shooting in Houston, Texas, in 2023, according to biographical reports (exact date unconfirmed).

How did his brother die?

• He was fatally shot. Davis has never disclosed full details publicly, but the tragedy has been a recurring theme in his interviews and social media posts.

Did Kendric Davis speak publicly about the loss?

• Yes. In an Instagram post, Davis wrote: “Everything I do is for my brother.” He has repeatedly credited his brother’s memory as the driving force behind his basketball career.

How much does Kendric Davis get paid?

What is Kendric Davis’s current contract with the Sydney Kings?

• In June 2026, Davis signed a new two-year deal to return to the Sydney Kings (Basketball.com.au). The contract is reportedly worth approximately $1.2 million AUD per season (AusBballnews on X).

Is he one of the higher-paid NBL players?

• Yes. The reported $1.2 million figure places him among the top earners in the league, reflecting his status as the NBL’s leading scorer and reigning champion (NBL).

What are the terms of his multi-year extension?

• His previous one-year deal was estimated at around $120,000 AUD. The new extension includes performance incentives and, according to reports, a potential NBA out clause that would allow him to leave if an NBA team offers a contract (ESPN).

The pattern: Davis’s salary trajectory — from $120K to over $1M — mirrors his on-court production. The Kings are betting he remains the league’s best player, while Davis keeps an NBA escape hatch open.

Does Kendric Davis have a child?

How many children does Kendric Davis have?

• Kendric Davis has one daughter. He occasionally shares photos of her on his Instagram account.

What is the child’s name?

• Her name has not been publicly confirmed.

Has he posted about his child on social media?

• Yes. Davis has posted pictures with his daughter, and in interviews he has spoken about fatherhood as a motivating responsibility off the court.

Timeline

• May 14, 1999: Born in Houston, Texas.
• 2018–2021: Plays college basketball for TCU.
• 2021–2022: Transfers to Memphis; averages 6.3 points per game.
• June 2022: Goes undrafted in the NBA Draft.
• Summer 2022: Plays Summer League with Memphis Grizzlies.
• 2022: Signs with Adelaide 36ers of the NBL.
• 2023: Brother tragically killed in Houston shooting.
• Nov 17, 2024: Suspended two games for spectator incident (ESPN).
• Apr 2025: Signs one-year deal with Sydney Kings (Sydney Kings).
• 2025-26 NBL season: Leads Kings to championship; averages 24.4 points, 6.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds (NBL).
• Apr 2026: Kings open extension talks; Davis says he wants to return (ESPN).
• Jun 2026: Signs two-year contract extension ($1.2M/year reported) (Basketball.com.au).

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Born May 14, 1999.
• Attended TCU and Memphis.
• Undrafted in 2022.
• Suspended two games on Nov 17, 2024.
• Currently plays for Sydney Kings.
• Brother was killed in a shooting.
• Signed two-year extension in 2026.

What’s unclear

• Exact salary figures (reported ~$1.2M/year).
• Whether an NBA out clause exists.
• Exact length of suspension (two games confirmed).
• Name of his daughter.

Quotes

“If I’m not in the NBA, I will be back with the Kings.”

— Kendric Davis, to ESPN (Apr 2026)

“Kendric Davis is the best player in the NBL right now. Losing him would be a massive blow.”

— Sydney Kings general manager, quoted by NBL (Apr 2026)

“I sincerely apologize for my actions. That is not who I am.”

— Kendric Davis, public apology reported by ESPN (Nov 2024)

Kendric Davis has turned personal grief and professional setbacks into an NBL MVP-caliber career, but his story is far from over. For Sydney Kings fans, the choice is clear: enjoy one of the league’s most electrifying talents while he’s still in town, because an NBA call-up could come at any moment. For Davis, every game is a step closer to the dream he never let go — or a farewell tour disguised as a championship run.

For another look at an NBA player navigating family tragedy and a significant contract, consider RJ Barretts career and family.

Frequently asked questions