Tamar Bates, the 23‑year‑old guard who most recently wore a Denver Nuggets jersey, has officially signed a two‑way contract with the Utah Jazz, a move that rekindles his hopes of securing a permanent spot on an NBA roster after a turbulent season.
The agreement follows a productive run with the Grand Rapids Gold, the Jazz’s G League affiliate, where Bates averaged 19.6 points per game and displayed the scoring versatility that made him a standout at Missouri.
Bates’ professional trajectory hit a setback in March when a foot injury prompted the Nuggets to waive him, a decision that came after he had previously navigated a two‑way contract with the franchise.
During his college career, he led the nation with a 94.6% free‑throw percentage as a senior and finished his Missouri tenure with 13.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, statistics that continue to attract the attention of NBA scouts.
Now, the former Tiger is slated to compete in the Jazz’s summer league program and will be eligible to play for their G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, providing a direct pathway back to the NBA.
Looking Ahead
The coming months will test Bates’s health and adaptability as he adjusts to a new system, but the contract offers a clear signal that the Jazz view him as a viable piece for future depth. With a fresh start in Utah, Bates hopes to translate his G League success into meaningful minutes at the NBA level.