Chuck Hayes started and played 27 minutes in his Kings debut on Monday, scoring seven points on 3-of-5 shooting with nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. We have liked Hayes to start and play this many minutes, because aside from his elite defense and above-average passing he provides a mental game that the Kings' current starting five lacks -- particularly in the frontcourt. Look for Jason Thompson to be minimized and J.J. Hickson to be Hayes' backup all season long. As for Hayes, this production can continue and adding him in those leagues that value his versatility makes perfect sense.

On Friday, Kings head coach Paul Westphal announced that his starting lineup to start the season will be DeMarcus Cousins, Chuck Hayes, John Salmons, Marcus Thornton and Tyreke Evans. Hayes has had the most extreme roller coaster of weeks, having his initial four year/$21 million contract with the Kings voided because of a heart condition, then getting clearance from a group of doctors at the Cleveland Clinic to continue his basketball career and finally netting a four year/$22 million offer to come back to Sacramento, which is his hometown. With today's announcement from Westphal that Hayes will be starting to begin the season, the emotional high he is on right now is probably sky high.

Doctors performing the second review of Chuck Hayes' heart condition from the Cleveland Clinic hesitated to call it an abnormality and spoke glowingly about his physical condition. If you're a Kings fan or a deep league owner hoping for some of the old magic you may want to click the link, but in short he's healthy and ready to go. Look for Hayes to eventually start and play 20-30 minutes, as the Kings are enamored with him and for good reason. The elite defender is a willing passer and can add some smarts to a sometimes dimwitted cast. Hayes, J.J. Hickson, and especially Jason Thompson cancel each other out in fantasy land.

Free agent forward Chuck Hayes is expected to sign a four-year, $22 million deal to return to Sacramento. That sounds very much like the recent deal he made before the heart scare caused the Kings to void it. It's been a crazy week for Hayes, but it looks like he's healthy and going to be paid. In fantasyland, this isn't ideal for guys like Jason Thompson and J.J. Hickson, as the Kings are now logjammed at every position.

The Timberwolves have "high interest" in signing Chuck Hayes, according to his agent. Hayes has a history with new T-Wolves coach Rick Adelman, from their time in Houston. After his recent contract with the Kings was voided, Hayes has been linked to several teams in addition to Minnesota, including a possible return to Houston or a restructured offer to play in Sacramento.

Jason Jones is reporting that Kings players appear to have been told that Chuck Hayes was coming back to the team. While this is far from official, it makes sense for Hayes to return to Sacramento and play for the team he just signed a big contract with. That was voided when a heart problem arose, but Hayes is now cleared and ready to get back in action. Don't expect last year's Hayes though, as there is a logjam of big men in Sacramento.

Chuck Hayes said that he's "back to the drawing board" in terms of his free agency, but he feels grateful to the Kings for revealing his heart condition. ƒ?oThe doctors just say [my heart] is too big," said Hayes. "I have a big heart. Iƒ?Tm a big guy. Thatƒ?Ts all it is.ƒ?? He's currently gauging interest from a number of teams, but his most likely destinations are Houston, Sacramento, San Antonio and Minnesota.

The Kings are reportedly the "front-runner" to sign Chuck Hayes, but the Rockets, Spurs, and Timberwolves are all in the mix as well according to his agent. Hayes had his contract voided with the Kings after the team determined he may have a heart problem during his physical, but he was cleared by the Cleveland Clinic on Thursday. He's likely to make a decision on his next playing destination after Christmas Day.

Chuck Hayes has reportedly been diagnosed with Pericarditis, an inflammation of the sack surrounding the heart that can be life-threatening, although that's yet to be verified. While the condition is potentially life threatening, it is also said to be curable. The Kings subsequently nullified his four-year, $21 million deal and he is a free agent. However, we doubt he plays in the NBA this season.

The Rockets have made "inquiries about the prognosis" of Chuck Hayes. Houston has an interest in bringing him back, but we're just hoping Hayes gets healthy and is able to resume his playing career in the near future.