How Mizzou's Tamar Bates Performed at NBA Draft Combine

After a strong pre-draft process, Missouri's star guard is making a name for himself in the NBA draft.

Mar 20, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Tamar Bates (2) shoots against Drake Bulldogs guard Isaia Howard (23) and guard Tavion Banks (6) in the second half of a first round men’s NCAA Tournament game at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A strong NBA combine performance, along with other pre-draft events, has helped former Missouri Tigers guard Tamar Bates cement himself as a draftable guard in the 2025 NBA draft.

Whether it was his measurements, in shooting drills, a workout, or live scrimmaging, Bates impressed in some way. In his drill performance, he showed his ability to make shots from all around the court. Whether it was 3-point shots on the move, mid-range attempts, or free throws, Bates showed he can hit shots from wherever. Here's how he did in those shooting drills at the NBA combine:

Off dribble: 17-for-30
Spot up: 18-for-25
Three-point star: 19-for-25
Three-point side: 17-for-24
Free throws: 7-for-10

Results for the mid-range side and mid-range star have not yet been recorded.

Bates measured in at 6-foot-3.75 and 191.4 pounds, along with a 6-foot-10.25 wingspan. Those measurements alone were enough to earn him some attention from NBA teams, especially during live scrimmaging.

His stats in the scrimmage didn't hurt either. He recorded 19 points on 7-for-8 shooting, again scoring from various spots on the court.

Workout videos of Bates at the combine have circulated around social media, leading to even more media and analyst attention leading up to the draft process. He's starting to earn respect around draft cycles because of his shot-making ability and athleticism, along with his motor and leadership qualities.

Missouri’s Tamar Bates capped off an impressive pre-draft run with an energetic workout at the Excel Sports Pro Day. The 6-foot-6 wing has made the most of his opportunities at Portsmouth, Elite Camp, and the NBA Combine. pic.twitter.com/ICD3pIg0WW

— Jacob Myers (@League_Him) May 18, 2025

If Bates does end up getting drafted, he will owe a lot of his increased stock to his performances at the Portsmouth Invitational and G League Elite camp. Bates averaged 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists at the Portsmouth Invitational, shooting 57.6% from the field and 46.2% from the perimeter. He proved his ability to be a connector and team player during his time there, leading to an invite to the G League camp.

Things only got better for Bates there, posting 19 and nine-point performances in his two scrimmage opportunities, along with three rebounds and three assists during his 19-point game. His work there caught more eyes of NBA scouts, earning him an invite to the NBA combine.

Nothing is certain when it comes to the NBA draft, but Bates has done everything in his power to hear his name called on June 25. Arguably, no player has caught more eyes than Bates at the combine, especially after having minimal draft momentum beforehand. His blend of size, speed, effort and scoring ability appears to be intriguing to many front offices.

Bates has yet to appear on some big boards around the draft analyst circle, but appears as high as 36th on NBADraft.net's big board. 36 may be a stretch, but he has enough momentum to continue to rise up people's boards before the draft rolls around.