Coming into the 2023 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers had only one pick, a second-round selection(49).
Picking that late in the draft, Cleveland had an opportunity to draft the best available player, and that’s what they did. With the 49th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Cavaliers selected Eastern Michigan’s Emoni Bates.
The 19-year-old is an excellent shooter. Last season, the 6-9 Bates finished fourth in the MAC in three-point field goals made per game (2.5). His 76 made three-pointers ranked eighth in a single season in program history.
Bates, who averaged 19.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest, wasn’t the most efficient as he shot just over 40% from the field and 33% from deep last season, but he has ability. There’s a reason he was the 2020 Gatorade National Player of the Year following his senior year of high school.
Over the past two years, things have been a little rocky for Bates. He started his collegiate career at the University of Memphis, where many thought he would be one and done. However, he battled injuries and ultimately decided to transfer to Eastern Michigan.
Unfortunately, things did not start well for Bates. Last September, he was arrested on felony gun charges; ultimately, he pled guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge and was sentenced to 18 months probation. However, he put that behind him and had a solid season at Eastern Michigan.
At 19, Bates will need time to develop. He’ll need to improve on finishing at the basket and become a willing passer(1.5 apg). In addition, Bates will have to improve on the defensive end. He’ll probably get a lot of time in the G League next season, and hopefully, for him and the Cavs, he can continue to grow as a player.
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