Terence Davis
Terence B. Davis II is an American professional basketball player who plays as a shooting guard and small forward, most recently appearing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Sacramento Kings.[1] Born on May 16, 1997, in Southaven, Mississippi, Davis stands at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall and weighs 195 pounds (88 kg).[2] He developed his skills at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he played college basketball for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2015 to 2019, concluding his collegiate career ranked 12th in school history with 1,512 points, 10th in steals with 140, and seventh in three-pointers made with 176.[3] After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Davis signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors, quickly establishing himself as a rookie standout by averaging 7.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game over 72 appearances in the 2019–20 season.[4] His breakout performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020, making him the first Raptors rookie to achieve this honor since Jonas Valančiūnas in 2013.[5] On March 25, 2021, Davis was traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for a 2021 second-round draft pick, where he spent the majority of his professional career, appearing in 122 games and averaging 8.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game through the 2024–25 season.[6][1] Davis has also competed in the NBA G League, including stints with affiliates like the Raptors 905 and Stockton Kings, where he recorded notable performances such as a career-high 44 points and 12 three-pointers in a March 2025 game for the Wisconsin Herd.[7] Following multiple training camp invitations, he was waived by the Kings for the second time in the 2025 offseason on October 18, 2025, becoming an unrestricted free agent as of November 2025.[8] Over his five NBA seasons, Davis has maintained career averages of 8.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 43.3% from the field.[4]Early life and education
Early life
Terence Davis was born on May 16, 1997, in Southaven, Mississippi.[5][3] He is the son of Trinita Smith and Terence Davis Sr., with his mother working long hours at a casino in Cleveland, Mississippi, where the family initially resided in government housing.[9] Davis Sr., who had played two seasons of junior college basketball, emphasized discipline and faith in raising his son after gaining custody.[10] The family dynamics were shaped by co-parenting between his parents, with Davis living primarily with his father from age five onward; he has seven half-siblings and one step-sibling, including older brothers who joined in competitive play.[9] Davis spent his first five years in Cleveland, Mississippi, a small city with a poverty rate exceeding 25%, before moving to Southaven in the fifth grade for better educational and athletic opportunities.[10][9] This relocation to Southaven, a suburb of Memphis, provided access to stronger community sports programs and a more stable environment, though the family continued to navigate financial challenges rooted in their earlier circumstances.[11] His aunt, JoAnna Smith, a college basketball player at the University of Buffalo, often played with Davis and his siblings, fostering a competitive athletic household.[9] From a young age, Davis showed a natural affinity for sports, constantly keeping a ball in hand—whether baseball, basketball, or football—as he promised his mother he would turn professional to support the family.[9] He began playing organized basketball around age six and also explored swimming, focusing on the backstroke, alongside track and baseball in his early years.[10] By middle school, his talents in basketball and football were evident, leading him to join the AAU team Team Thad in eighth grade, mentored by NBA player Thaddeus Young, which honed his skills in a supportive Memphis-area basketball community.[9][10] The socioeconomic context of Davis's childhood in rural Mississippi profoundly influenced his development, where limited resources in Cleveland contrasted with Southaven's proximity to urban athletic hubs, motivating his drive to escape poverty.[10] As Davis later reflected, "Where I came from, poverty, a lot of people don’t make it out from there," highlighting how family encouragement and community programs like AAU basketball provided crucial outlets for his emerging athletic potential.[10]High school career
Terence Davis attended Southaven High School in Southaven, Mississippi, where he competed in basketball as a four-year starter from 2011 to 2015.[12] As a freshman during the 2011–12 season, Davis appeared in 24 games, averaging 5.4 points per game while contributing 47 total rebounds and 12 blocks.[13] In his sophomore year (2012–13), he showed significant improvement, playing 26 games and averaging 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 block per game, with 431 total points scored.[13] Davis's scoring and rebounding continued to rise in his junior season (2013–14), where he averaged 22.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.[3] As a senior in 2014–15, he peaked with averages of 22.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.8 blocks per game, leading Southaven to the quarterfinals of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) state tournament.[12] In a state tournament game against Meridian, he recorded 25 points.[14] For his senior-year performance, Davis earned first-team all-state honors from the Clarion Ledger and selection to the publication's Dandy Dozen team, recognizing Mississippi's top high school players.[12] Ranked as the third-best prospect in Mississippi and the 40th nationally among small forwards in the class of 2015 by ESPN, Davis committed to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) on July 29, 2014, and signed his national letter of intent the following November, choosing basketball over multiple Division I football scholarship offers.[15][16][17]College career
University of Mississippi
Davis enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 2015, joining the Ole Miss Rebels men's basketball team in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).[3][18] As a freshman in the 2015–2016 season, Davis appeared in 20 games off the bench, averaging 1.8 points and 0.9 rebounds per game while shooting 43.3% from the field.[18] His role was limited, providing sporadic scoring and energy in a rotation led by upperclassmen. In his sophomore year of 2016–2017, Davis broke out as a starter, playing in all 36 games and averaging 14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, with improved efficiency at 48.2% field goal shooting and 72.3% from the free-throw line.[18] He notched key performances, including 20 points and 11 rebounds in an 80-69 win over Tennessee.[19] During the 2017–2018 junior season, he maintained starter status across 32 games, averaging 13.8 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game, though his field goal percentage dipped to 40.7%.[18] Davis's versatility shone in rebounding for a guard, contributing to the Rebels' defensive efforts. In his senior 2018–2019 campaign, Davis solidified his role as a primary scoring option and leader, starting all 33 games and averaging 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range.[18] He had standout outbursts, such as 27 points and 12 rebounds in an 82-67 upset victory over No. 11 Auburn, and 25 points with 12 rebounds on Senior Night against No. 6 Kentucky.[20][21] These efforts helped propel Ole Miss to a 20-13 record and an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament as an No. 8 seed in the South Region, marking the program's ninth appearance in history.[22] In the first-round loss to Oklahoma State, Davis led the Rebels with 17 points and six assists.[3] Over his four-year tenure, Davis evolved from a reserve contributor to a cornerstone starter, appearing in 121 games and accumulating 1,512 points (12th in school history), 597 rebounds (averaging 4.9 per game), and 176 three-pointers made (seventh all-time at Ole Miss).[3][18] His career field goal percentage stood at 44.5%, reflecting consistent mid-range and perimeter scoring. Beyond statistics, Davis fostered team chemistry as a vocal leader in his final two seasons, emphasizing defensive intensity and ball movement.[23] He also contributed academically and to community service, earning selection to the 2019 SEC Community Service Team for his off-court involvement.[3]Awards and honors
During his senior season at the University of Mississippi in 2018–19, Davis was selected to the All-SEC Second Team by the league's coaches, recognizing his standout performance as a versatile guard who averaged 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while ranking 10th in the conference in scoring.[24][3] Davis earned SEC Player of the Week honors twice during his Ole Miss career, first as a sophomore in January 2017 after averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds in wins over Vanderbilt and Missouri, and again as a senior in January 2019 following a pair of upsets over top-15 opponents where he averaged 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, including a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double against No. 10 Auburn.[25][3] Upon graduating, Davis ranked 12th in Ole Miss history with 1,512 career points and 10th with 140 steals, underscoring his scoring efficiency and defensive impact over four seasons with the Rebels.[12] Additionally, Davis was named to the SEC Men's Basketball Community Service Team in each of his final two seasons (2018 and 2019) for his off-court contributions, including participation in youth clinics and community outreach programs in Oxford, Mississippi.[26][27]Professional career
Toronto Raptors (2019–2021)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Davis signed a two-year contract worth $2.41 million with the Toronto Raptors on July 11, 2019, securing a standard NBA deal after turning down multiple two-way offers from other teams.[12][28] The first year was fully guaranteed at $898,310, while the second was partially guaranteed, reflecting his status as a high-upside undrafted rookie from Ole Miss.[28] This signing positioned him for immediate competition in training camp, where his athleticism and shooting ability stood out during preseason and Summer League play.[29] In his rookie 2019–20 season, Davis quickly earned a rotation spot as a bench guard, appearing in all 72 regular-season games—the only Raptor to do so—while averaging 7.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 16.8 minutes per game, with efficient shooting of 45.6% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range.[1][12] He notched a career-high 31 points against the Chicago Bulls on February 2, 2020, and recorded one double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds versus the Charlotte Hornets on January 8, 2020, showcasing his explosive scoring and rebounding for a guard.[12] His consistent contributions off the bench led to a selection on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, recognizing him among the league's top first-year performers.[12] In the playoffs, Davis played all six games as the Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic in the first round before falling to the Boston Celtics in the semifinals, averaging 7.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 14.0 minutes per contest.[30] No significant injuries hampered his rookie campaign, allowing him to maintain steady availability.[1] Entering the 2020–21 season, Davis solidified his role as a sixth man and primary reserve shooting guard, providing perimeter scoring and energy from the bench in 34 games before his March 2021 trade, where he averaged 6.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.5 minutes per game.[1] He started four games during this stretch, often stepping up amid Toronto's injury challenges to the backcourt, and delivered key scoring outbursts in regular-season matchups, including efficient performances against the New York Knicks such as 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting in a December 31, 2020, win.[31] His bench contributions emphasized three-point shooting at 36.1% and transition plays, though defensive consistency remained an area for growth in his sophomore year.[1] Davis avoided major injuries during this period, focusing on expanding his playmaking while adapting to the Raptors' defensive-oriented system under coach Nick Nurse.[1]Sacramento Kings (first stint, 2021–2023)
On March 25, 2021, the Toronto Raptors traded Davis to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for a protected 2021 second-round draft pick.[32] Following the trade, Davis appeared in 27 games for Sacramento during the remainder of the 2020–21 season, averaging 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 21.5 minutes per game while providing scoring punch off the bench.[1] As a restricted free agent in the 2021 offseason, Davis re-signed with the Kings on August 6, 2021, to a two-year, $8 million contract. In the 2021–22 season, he played in 30 games, primarily as a reserve, averaging 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 17.9 minutes per game, with efficient shooting at 42.3% from the field and 32.9% from three-point range.[1] Davis adapted to the Kings' up-tempo system under coach Dave Joerger, contributing as a versatile wing who could space the floor and attack closeouts, though the team's overall struggles limited his role to situational scoring.[2] During the 2022–23 season, Davis appeared in 64 games for the Kings, averaging 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 13.1 minutes per game, often serving as a depth piece behind starters De'Aaron Fox and Kevin Huerter.[1] He shot 42.3% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc, providing defensive energy with 0.7 steals per game in limited minutes as part of Sacramento's playoff push.[1] The Kings finished with a 48–34 record and reached the Western Conference semifinals, where Davis saw minimal action in four games against the Golden State Warriors.[33] Key highlights from his Kings tenure included a career-high 35 points on January 19, 2022, against the Detroit Pistons, where he shot 13-of-23 from the field and 4-of-7 from three in a 133–131 loss.[34] Earlier that season, on November 3, 2021, he scored 31 points, including seven three-pointers, in a 137–92 win over the Miami Heat, showcasing his potential as a microwave scorer.[34] Defensively, Davis contributed to the Kings' improved perimeter pressure, averaging 0.7 steals per game across his two full seasons while helping stabilize the second unit during roster transitions.[1]G League assignments (2023–2025)
In December 2023, following his departure from the Sacramento Kings, Davis was claimed off waivers by the Rip City Remix, the G League affiliate of the Portland Trail Blazers.[35] He appeared in four games for the Remix during the 2023–24 season, averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 20.3 minutes per game, while shooting 31.9% from the field and 15.4% from three-point range.[36] His stint was cut short on January 4, 2024, when he suffered a complete rupture of his left Achilles tendon during a win over the Salt Lake City Stars, ending his season and requiring extensive rehabilitation.[37] Davis returned to action in the 2024–25 season after signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Milwaukee Bucks and being assigned to their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, in October 2024; he was waived by the Bucks on October 15, 2024.[38][39] Playing in 30 games for the Herd, he averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 26.4 minutes per game, with improved efficiency at 46.5% field goal shooting and 40.2% from beyond the arc.[36] His rehabilitation progress was evident in key performances, including a career-high 44 points on March 25, 2025, against the Grand Rapids Gold, where he made 12 three-pointers.[40] Over his 2023–25 G League assignments spanning 34 games, Davis averaged 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, showcasing enhanced three-point shooting (37.5%) that highlighted his development as a perimeter scorer and facilitated his pathway back to NBA consideration.[36] These experiences with the Remix and Herd allowed him to rebuild confidence and refine his skills post-injury, emphasizing efficient scoring and playmaking in a developmental role.[41]Sacramento Kings (second stint and waiver, 2025)
On April 9, 2025, the Sacramento Kings signed guard Terence Davis to a contract for the remainder of the 2024–25 NBA season, recalling him from the G League's Wisconsin Herd amid injuries to key players like Malik Monk.[42][43] Davis, who had previously played for the Kings from 2021 to 2023, made his sole appearance of the stint in the Western Conference play-in tournament game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 16, 2025, where he played two minutes and recorded three points (1-for-2 field goal shooting, including a three-pointer) and two rebounds in a 120–106 loss.[44][45] Following the season, Davis entered the 2025 offseason with a non-guaranteed contract for the 2025–26 season from his April signing, but was waived by the Kings on September 10, 2025. He then returned to the Kings on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 training camp contract on September 23, 2025, providing an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during the 2025–26 preseason.[46][47] In limited action, he appeared in one preseason game, logging 4.7 minutes without scoring, grabbing a rebound, or recording an assist.[48] His minimal contributions, amid a crowded backcourt featuring additions like Russell Westbrook, did not secure a standard roster position as the Kings trimmed to the 15-player limit.[49][50] The Kings waived Davis on October 18, 2025, as part of final preseason roster cuts after a 117–116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.[8][51] This release rendered him an unrestricted free agent, eligible to sign with any NBA team without restrictions.[52] As of November 2025, Davis remains unsigned and is actively seeking opportunities in the NBA or G League to continue his professional career.[53][52]Career statistics
NBA
Terence Davis has appeared in 228 NBA regular-season games across five seasons with the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings, averaging 8.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 43.3% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range.[4] His scoring output peaked in the 2021–22 season at 10.4 points per game, reflecting increased opportunities as a rotational player before settling into a more consistent bench role.[1] The following table summarizes Davis's regular-season per-game averages by season and team:| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | TOR | 72 | 16.8 | 7.5 | 3.3 | 1.6 | .456 | .388 |
| 2020–21 | TOR | 34 | 14.5 | 6.9 | 1.9 | 1.1 | .414 | .361 |
| 2020–21 | SAC | 27 | 21.5 | 11.1 | 3.3 | 1.7 | .439 | .372 |
| 2021–22 | SAC | 30 | 17.9 | 10.4 | 3.1 | 1.3 | .423 | .329 |
| 2022–23 | SAC | 64 | 13.1 | 6.7 | 2.2 | 1.0 | .423 | .366 |
| 2024–25 | SAC | 1 | 8.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | .000 | .000 |
| Career | 228 | 16.1 | 8.0 | 2.7 | 1.3 | .433 | .366 |
| Series/Year | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 (Seeding & First Round) | TOR | 6 | 14.0 | 7.2 | 2.2 | 1.2 | .483 | .421 |
| 2023 (First Round) | SAC | 4 | 14.5 | 6.0 | 2.3 | 1.5 | .400 | .333 |
| Career | 10 | 14.3 | 6.7 | 2.2 | 1.3 | .449 | .389 |
G League
Davis began his G League tenure with the Rip City Remix during the 2023–24 season, appearing in four games before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in January 2024. In those appearances, he showcased scoring prowess, including a career-high 38 points in a December 19, 2023, game against the Salt Lake City Stars.[58] His brief stint highlighted his potential as a volume scorer off the bench.[36]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Rip City Remix | 4 | 20.3 | 21.9 | 4.8 | 1.7 | 44.0 | 35.0 |
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Wisconsin Herd | 38 | 25.7 | 14.2 | 4.4 | 2.7 | 46.5 | 41.5 | 76.5 |
College
Terence Davis played college basketball for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) from 2015 to 2019, appearing in 121 games over four seasons and emerging as a key contributor by his junior and senior years.[18] His development was marked by increased playing time and production, starting sparingly as a freshman before becoming a starter and leading scorer. The following table summarizes his per-game statistics by season:| Season | Games (Starts) | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 20 (0) | 6.6 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.4 | .433 | .273 |
| 2016–17 | 36 (26) | 25.3 | 14.9 | 5.3 | 1.8 | 1.4 | .482 | .333 |
| 2017–18 | 32 (24) | 27.3 | 13.8 | 6.2 | 2.1 | 0.9 | .407 | .317 |
| 2018–19 | 33 (32) | 31.0 | 15.2 | 5.8 | 3.5 | 1.6 | .444 | .371 |
| Career | 121 (82) | 24.3 | 12.5 | 5.0 | 2.1 | 1.2 | .446 | .344 |