Denver Nuggets Add Tamar Bates and Curtis Jones Following NBA Draft…
Although the Denver Nuggets neither had any draft picks nor made any trades during the draft, they moved quickly to sign two undrafted guards—Tamar Bates and Curtis Jones—in hopes of strengthening their bench shooting options.
Tamar Bates, a 6’3.75” shooting guard with an impressive 6’10.25” wingspan, brings both energy and versatility. Weighing in at 191 pounds at the NBA Combine, he still has room to build more muscle. Known for his consistent motor and ability to score from all over the court, Bates played an important supporting role at Missouri, where the offense was shared among several players. Despite not being the primary scorer, he nearly achieved the elite 40/50/90 shooting split in his senior year at Missouri—alma mater of Nuggets executive Josh Kroenke. Denver signed him to a two-way contract, which means he’ll suit up for both the Nuggets and their G League affiliate, starting with Summer League. If he develops well, the team sees him potentially backing up Christian Braun by hitting corner threes, causing turnovers, finishing fast breaks, and playing solid defense. However, he’ll likely need time in the G League to refine these skills to an NBA level.
Joining Bates is Curtis Jones from Iowa State. At 6’3” with a 6’8” wingspan, Jones is slightly leaner and also unsigned to a guaranteed two-way contract—details of his deal are not yet public. He plays more like Julian Strawther, boasting long-range shooting ability and averaging nearly seven three-point attempts per game. With a smooth floater and a knack for working off screens, Jones brings craftiness more than athletic explosiveness. However, unlike Strawther, he lacks the size to play small forward and will need time to bulk up if he wants to hold his own at shooting guard. He could also benefit from development as a primary ball-handler.
Denver struggled with bench shooting last season, so adding Bates and Jones gives them depth and flexibility, particularly in case of injuries or roster changes. While it’s unlikely either will contribute significantly right away, they offer potential as situational scorers and long-term options. Both will be in action during Summer League in two weeks, where fans and coaches alike can get a closer look at their progress.
Leave a Reply