Denver — The Denver Nuggets announced Monday that rookie guard Tamar Bates underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his left foot and will be re-evaluated in approximately 12 weeks.
The procedure sidelines the 22-year-old before he has appeared in an NBA game. Bates joined Denver on a two-way contract as an undrafted free agent after the June draft.
Bates spent his first two college seasons at Indiana before transferring to Missouri for the 2023-24 campaign. As a senior, the 6-4 guard averaged 13.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting 50.8% from the field, 39.7% from three-point range and 94.6% at the free-throw line.
With Denver’s G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, Bates has appeared in 13 games, posting 19.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per contest on 54.9% shooting overall, including 44.1% from deep and 90.3% at the line.
Because Bates faces an extended absence, the Nuggets could choose to waive him before his two-way salary becomes fully guaranteed next month. Releasing him would also cost Denver his NBA rights.
Source: Hoops Rumors
