The summer is always an exciting time to keep up with young players as they try to prove themselves with their new squads, and make a true impact in the NBA.
Tiger Hoops fans were lucky to see a number of former players throughout the summer, as they now hope to solidify themselves a roster spot, with potential playing time, this NBA season.
Summer league isn't always just a one-season thing, as proven by veteran Kobe Brown, who is entering his third season with the Los Angeles Clippers, and is eyeing a larger role.
Brown appeared in just one summer league game this year and capatilized in his opportunity, by doing a little bit of everything.
The Alabama native scored 10 unanswered points, and also facilitated well, finding teammates for a few assists. Brown went 2/3 from deep, and added four rebounds, before finishing with 14 points.
Brown might've found himself a role off the bench this season on a stacked team for Los Angeles, and, for the first time, with a real opportunity to show what he can do with real minutes.
Tamar Bates, who just finished his senior year at Mizzou last season, is fresh off a two-way contract, after appearing in all five of the Denver Nuggets summer league games.
He averaged 11 points and 3 rebounds per game, while also adding a pair of assists.
Tamar Bates is fancy with it 👌 pic.twitter.com/7BP05kCBCP
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 16, 2025
However, Bates struggled to find range, which became an issue in the latter half of the 2024-25 campaign. He did show nice flashes defensively as well as penetrating and finishing in the lane through contact, two qualities that any NBA team will take note of.
The former SEC star now has his work cut out for him, as he continues to pursue his NBA dream and find a role with Denver, while on his two-way contract.
Fan favorite Caleb Grill also made some appearances throughout the summer, competing in four games for the Bulls.
The three-point specialist averaged 8 points per game for Chicago in his limited minutes.
Grill certainly did not have the shooting performances that Tiger fans became used to after last season, but he did end the summer with in a positive way.
Caleb put up 18, while going 4/9 from deep, and also added a nice reverse jam late in the fourth. Its nice to see a player so beloved by Mizzou fans really show out at the next level.
Though the future for Caleb is currently unknown, his shooting alone will attract attention to a multitude of organizations throughout the country.
Though none of these players are guranteed playing time for next season, this trio proved what Tiger basketball is made of, resilience, hard work, and heart. It won't be a suprise to any to see these three playing bigtime minutes at the next level, this season.