With the 49th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected small forward Emoni Bates out of Eastern Michigan. This was a second-round pick and the reason the Cavs did not have a first-round pick in this draft is because the team traded it away last year to the Indiana Pacers for shooting guard Caris LeVert. That would’ve been the 26th selection this year had the team kept the pick.
Bates, age 19, is 6’10 and 170 pounds. A raw talent and more of a project player than someone that is just going to come in next year and shine. The Cavs did need to fill the position of small forward and this does it if all works out.
In 30 games played last year in college at EMU, Bates averaged 19.2 points (40.5% shooting and 33% from three), 1.4 assists and 5.8 rebounds. Those are good, yet not great numbers. Bates did play a single season of college ball before this at Memphis before entering the transfer portal.
Bates’ life is sadly one of turbulence.
Via Det News: “The sophomore was pulled over in 2022 and found to have an illegal firearm. After several months of legal proceedings, Bates pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and was sentenced to 18 months of probation in Dec. 2022.”
At one time, Bates was a high schooler and a top prospect actually making the cover of Sports Illustrated with the title “Born For This.” Certainly, the young man did not live up to the expectations like say a LeBron James or Kevin Durant did early on. That remains to be seen if the 49th pick can shine in the NBA.
On the Cavs, Bates will look to work amongst star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to try and propel himself to the greatness that he once was projected to be a few years back.
It’s certainly a wait-a-see draft pick and that’s what most are in the second round. Cavs fans should look forward to what this pick could bring to the team. There are just simply no guarantees with any pick in any sport, especially those in round two for basketball. Cleveland fans know that all too well.
Best of luck, Mr. Bates. Welcome to The 216.
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