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Meet Emoni Bates, former top prospect and the Cavs' 2nd-round selection in 2023 NBA Draft
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- Meet Emoni Bates, former top prospect and the Cavs' 2nd-round selection in 2023 NBA Draft
The Cavaliers added a former top prospect with some off-the-court history with the No. 49 overall selection in Thursday night's NBA Draft.
Eastern Michigan forward Emoni Bates on the court against Ohio, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 in Ypsilanti.
Holding only the No. 49 pick after dealing their 2023 first-round selection to the Indiana Pacers in the Caris LeVert deal, the Cavs used that second-round choice on Eastern Michigan's Emoni Bates , a 6-foot-9 forward.
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Even for someone who was only just drafted, Bates' basketball history has already featured plenty of ups and downs .
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At one point, Bates was one of the most-hyped phenoms on the planet. When he was 15, 24/7 Sports called him perhaps "the best high school prospect" since LeBron James . Bates eventually went to Memphis, but struggled to live up to that hype and then sustained a back injury that limited him. He ended his one season with Memphis averaging 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds on 38.6% shooting. He then transferred to Eastern Michigan, where he could start anew in his hometown of Ypsilanti and find a larger role.
But in September of 2022, Bates was charged with two felonies , including carrying a concealed weapon. Those charges were later dropped, but Bates was sentenced to 18 months of probation stemming from misdemeanor gun charge after he pled down.
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At times in the Mid-American Conference, Bates was able to show why he was once viewed as a can't-miss prospect. He finished last season averaging 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds on 40.5% shooting from the floor. He also once scored 43 points, including 29 consecutively, in a loss to Toledo.
Cavs' draft selection of Emoni Bates could be a long-term play
The 49th pick in the draft is often one that leads to teams looking for a development, long-term project. Players selected around this range are rarely immediate fixtures in the rotation early in the season. Often times, players will go overseas for a few years, or see time in the G-League.
The selection of Bates is one of a high ceiling and a low floor in terms of potential. One scout told The Athletic that Bates was "not even on our board. Just too much of a circus. He has a scorer's mentality but bad shot selection. He's one of those athletic-looking guys that's not really athletic. He has no interest in playing defense or utilizing his other abilities. He needs to learn how to play with other good players."
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The scoring ability offered glimpses of Bates' potential, but his scouting profile has plenty of question marks.
Another consideration revolves around his frame. Bates recently measured 6-foot-8.25 inches in socks and weighed 179.2 pounds at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine. According to Stadium Speak, no player measured at the combine since 2000 that was taller than 6-foot-5 while weighing below 180 pounds had been drafted. Bates perhaps could be seen as a long-term development play by the Cavs, one that could include putting on some muscle to play in the NBA.
At pick No. 49, the Cavs have taken a flier on a former top prospect with a wide range of outcomes.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs select Emoni Bates with No. 49 pick in 2023 NBA Draft
