Tamar Bates is getting his shot at the NBA.
The former Indiana Hoosier and Missouri standout signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets, giving him a chance to break into one of the league’s most respected player development systems.
Two-way contracts don’t often guarantee NBA minutes, but Summer League is where players like Bates can make an impression. He’s set to join the Nuggets’ Summer League roster soon, ready to show what he can do.
Bates began his college career at Indiana, spending two seasons with the Hoosiers before transferring to Missouri for more playing time and a bigger role.
In high school, Bates was a pretty big name at IMG Academy in Florida. He was a four-star recruit, ranked No. 30 overall and the sixth-best shooting guard in the 2021 class, according to 247Sports. When he committed to Indiana, it was seen as a strong pickup for the program.
But college basketball is no walk in the park.
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Bates never really locked down a steady spot in Bloomington. Over his two years there, he averaged just over five points and less than two rebounds per game, shooting right around 40% from both the field and beyond the arc.
When he moved to Missouri, it was a fresh start — and he didn’t waste it.
Last season, Bates really stepped up his game. He put up 13.4 points a night, grabbed just about three rebounds, and knocked down shots at a solid clip — shooting 50% overall and hitting 40% from deep.
He’s got a good mix of moves too, whether it’s pulling up off the dribble or sinking open threes.
Now, Summer League is where Bates will get his first real chance to show NBA teams what he can do. At 6-foot-5, with solid scoring ability and experience from two solid programs, he’s got the tools to make an impact.
The Nuggets have a proven track record of turning overlooked players into NBA impact guys — now Bates is looking to prove he belongs among them.
