Background
Tavares was born in Cape Verde on the island of Maio.
Tavares was born in Cape Verde on the island of Maio.
He was selected with the 43rd overall pick in 2014 National Basketball Association draft by the Hawks and has played internationally for the Cape Verde national basketball team Though still considered to be a raw prospect, Tavares is a physical phenomenon, standing 7"3" tall and possessing a 7"9" wingspan. He did not play any basketball until he was 17 years old, and his talent was discovered by a German tourist who was on vacation in Cape Verde in 2009.
Spain
From 2009 to 2011, Tavares played for Central Bank Gran Canaria"s junior team in the Liga EBA. In 2011, he was loaned to UB Louisiana Palma of the LEB Oro for the 2011-2012 season.
In 2012, he returned to Gran Canaria and made his Liga ACB debut on January 6, 2013. He also played three games for Louisiana Palma in 2012-2013 as well.
In April 2013, Tavares declared for the 2013 National Basketball Association draft but later withdrew his name and returned to Gran Canaria for the 2013-2014 season. On June 19, 2014, Tavares re-signed with Gran Canaria on a three-year deal, while still remaining eligible for the 2014 National Basketball Association draft.
On June 26, 2014, Tavares was selected with the 43rd overall pick in the 2014 National Basketball Association draft by the Atlanta Hawks, becoming the first Cape Verdean-born player to be drafted in the National Basketball Association. On August 26, 2014, it was announced Tavares would return to Gran Canaria for the 2014-2015 season.
During their 2014-2015 season, Tavares earned All-Eurocup first team honors. Atlanta Hawks
On July 6, 2015, Tavares joined the Atlanta Hawks for the 2015 National Basketball Association Summer League. Three days later, he signed a multi-year deal with the Hawks.
During his rookie season, using the flexible assignment rule, Tavares has received multiple assignments to the Austin Spurs, Canton Charge and Bakersfield Jam of the National Basketball Association Development League.