Nuggets rookie from KC plans to proudly support the Chiefs while in Denver
.jpg "Missouri Tigers guard Tamar Bates (2) celebrates at the end of the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on Feb. 22, 2025.")
Tamar Bates had his choice of suitors following a standout career at Piper High School.
Although he initially chose Texas, Bates drew interest from Mizzou, K-State, KU, Iowa State, Alabama and Oregon, among others. But Bates, who was the 2020 DiRenna Award winner as the top high school basketball player in the Kansas City metro, later switched his commitment to Indiana.
After two years with the Hoosiers, Bates transferred to Mizzou and helped the Tigers earn an NCAA Tournament berth this spring. He’s hoping to continue his playing career in the NBA.
Bates signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets last month, and while at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, he talked about ... football.
As a kid growing up in KCK, Bates became a huge Chiefs fan and this was before the Patrick Mahomes Era began. Although his job will have him in Broncos country, Bates told reporters he will proudly cheer on the Chiefs.
“I’m not no fake Chiefs fan,” Bates said. “Me, I’ve been with the Chiefs with Matt Cassel, you know what I’m saying? Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles, Tamba Hali. I could go on all day.”
The Chiefs once won the AFC West title with Cassel at quarterback, but there were mostly some bad teams in KC when Bates was growing up.
That’s undoubtedly made this Chiefs dynasty all the sweeter for Bates. Even though he’s in the Mile High City, he won’t be tempted to wear orange.
“Yeah, that’s cool,” Bates said of being in Denver, “but you’re never going to catch me with a Broncos jersey on. I’m in Broncos country, but when the Chiefs come to town, you know what colors I’m gonna have on.”
Like other Chiefs fans, Bates has had his fill of doomsday talk about the Chiefs following their 40-22 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Bates is certain the Chiefs will be back with a vengeance.
“I’ve been hearing so much chit-chat, especially after this past Super Bowl, like we couldn’t even get past the 50(-yard line),” Bates said. “We needed that, though. I liked it because we’ll be back. I don’t know about them, the Eagles, I can’t speak for them but I know we’ll be back. We’ve just got to clean the o-line up, make sure Pat’s protected. As long as 15 is in the backfield, we’ve got a chance.”
This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 9:50 AM.
