Tamar Bates, a promising talent from the University of Missouri, is making waves as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 6’5″ with an impressive 6’10” wingspan, Bates combines size and skill that make him an intriguing option for NBA teams looking to bolster their rosters. With a solid collegiate career behind him, Bates has demonstrated the attributes that could translate well to the professional level.
In the 2024-25 season, Bates averaged 13.3 points, 1.0 rebound, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting an impressive 50.8% from the field, 39.7% from three-point range, and 94.6% from the free-throw line across 34 games. His efficiency and shooting prowess are among the key highlights of his game, making him a player to watch as the draft approaches.
Strengths of Tamar Bates
Bates possesses several strengths that stand out in his game:
1. Length and Versatility: With a wingspan that exceeds his height, Bates can defend multiple positions and create mismatches on the offensive end. His length allows him to contest shots effectively and play bigger than his actual size.
2. Shooting Efficiency: Bates has showcased his shooting ability with nearly a 50/40/90 season, highlighting his polished mechanics and accuracy. His catch-and-shoot game is particularly strong, converting 41.9% of his spot-up three-point attempts according to Synergy.
3. Scoring Versatility: Bates is not just a shooter; he can also attack the basket. He has shown the ability to punish defenders who overcommit, utilizing his long strides and touch to finish around the rim. Despite being more of a below-the-rim finisher, he converted 72% of his halfcourt rim attempts.
4. Transition Play: Bates excels in fast-break situations, demonstrating sneaky athleticism with 16 dunks during transition plays. His ability to fill lanes effectively makes him a valuable asset in up-tempo offenses.
5. Defensive Potential: Bates is a solid perimeter defender who understands his assignments and plays with consistent effort. His average of 1.3 steals per game reflects his capability to disrupt opposing offenses. With added strength, he could become even more effective as a scrappy off-ball defender.
Areas for Improvement
While Bates has numerous strengths, there are also areas where he can improve:
1. Physicality: At 193 pounds, Bates is slightly undersized for a wing player. He may struggle against more physical guards and wings, particularly in chest-to-chest battles. Adding strength will be crucial for his success in the NBA.
2. Offensive Processing: Bates tends to be a slow processor on offense. He often pauses to survey the court instead of making quick decisions, which can disrupt the flow of the game. Improving his ability to read defenses and react quickly will enhance his effectiveness.
3. Shooting Volume: Despite his shooting prowess, Bates has not consistently taken enough three-point attempts, averaging no more than 3.9 per game. He needs to become more aggressive in looking for his shot, especially given his efficiency.
4. Playmaking Ability: Bates has struggled to create for others, averaging only 1.0 assist per game and having a negative assist-to-turnover ratio in recent seasons. Developing his playmaking skills will be essential to becoming a more well-rounded player.
5. Defensive Gambles: While Bates has the potential to be a solid defender, he can sometimes gamble too much, particularly in help situations. This tendency can lead to breakdowns in team defense, and he will need to improve his discipline on that end of the floor.
Conclusion
Tamar Bates is an exciting prospect heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. His combination of size, shooting ability, and defensive potential makes him an appealing option for teams seeking to enhance their rosters. While he has areas to improve, his skill set and work ethic suggest that he could develop into a valuable contributor at the next level. As NBA fans look forward to the draft, Bates is certainly a name to keep an eye on.