Former Missouri Tigers guard Tamar Bates has secured a professional opportunity by signing a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets after going undrafted in the recent NBA Draft. Bates showcased his scoring prowess during his time at Missouri, averaging 13.3 points per game with impressive shooting splits of 50.8% from the field, 39.7% from three, and 94.6% from the charity stripe in the 2024-25 season. Notably, he became the only SEC player since 2008 to achieve such efficiency.

Although his scoring was occasionally inconsistent at Mizzou, where he experienced several single-digit scoring games, Bates is expected to adapt to a more complementary role in the NBA, focusing on catch-and-shoot opportunities and leveraging his versatile scoring skills. He will need to refine his decision-making and assist numbers, which were marked by an average of just 1 assist per game alongside 1.3 turnovers. Under the guidance of the Nuggets' coaching staff, he aims to develop into a valuable player in the league.