Tamar Bates underwent surgery on Monday to repair a fracture in his left foot, according to the Nuggets, who announced (via Twitter) that the rookie guard will be sidelined a minimum of 12 weeks, which is the next time he’ll be reexamined.
Bates played a fairly modest role with Indiana for a couple of years prior to transferring to Missouri ahead of the 2023/24 season. The 6’4″ guard had much more success in his two-season stint with the Tigers — as a senior last year, Bates averaged 13.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals, with excellent shooting slash line of .508/.397/.946.
Bates didn’t hear his named called during June’s draft, but quickly agreed to a two-way contract with the Nuggets as an undrafted free agent. While the 22-year-old has yet to make his NBA debut, he has played well for Denver’s G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, averaging 19.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.3 APG and 1.5 SPG on .549/.441/.903 shooting in 13 games (33.2 MPG).
Due to the long-term injury, it’s possible the Nuggets might decide to waive Bates before his two-way salary becomes guaranteed next month, but they would lose his NBA rights if they go that route.