Emoni Bates Fearless And Clutch In First Taste Of NBA Action With Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers two-way rookie Emoni Bates did not shy away from the big moment in his NBA preseason debut in Atlanta.

As the clock ticked down to 16 seconds, the Cleveland Cavaliers needed a bucket. They had just given up a six-point lead to the Atlanta Hawks in less than two minutes and were trailing 105-104.

Sure, it’s only the preseason, but this experience was invaluable for younger players to get reps in a tight situation. Most guys who’d never touched an NBA floor would show at least a hint of hesitation in such a scenario.

Not Emoni Bates.

The 19-year-old caught a pass from Dean Wade, sized up Hawks rookie Miles Norris from the triple-threat position, took three dribbles, stepped back to his left and nailed a 25-foot three with 11.1 seconds to spare. 

The Cavs bench went crazy, as Bates had given the squad a glimpse of what he can offer in the future.

“I just played my first NBA game and I still got chills man,” Bates posted on X. “I’m so blessed and thankful to be here.”

“You can see in my face how happy and proud I am,” Hawks star Dejounte Murray put on his Instagram story, which showed the two embracing a hug postgame. “This [is] the start bro.”

Oct 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Emoni Bates (21) scores a basket behind Atlanta Hawks guard Trent Forrest (2) during the second half at State Farm Arena / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately for Cleveland, the Hawks took the lead back and ultimately won the game late. However, Bates was able to showcase his ability to shoot the ball, put it on the floor and make the right next pass if a teammate had a better matchup. He even got his hands involved on the defensive end with a block and a deflection.

“He’s a really good basketball player,” Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said postgame, per Bally Sports Ohio’s Serena Winters. “He has the ability to make open shots, but he also has the ability to create shots for himself.

“And when you have a guy like that, that’s been through the pressure that he’s been through since he was 12 years old, that last shot meant nothing, you know what I mean? He’s seen way worse. So to have the courage to create that shot, knock it down — it was big time. And I think the best is yet to come.”

Bates finished with 10 points, 2 rebounds, a block and a steal in 14 minutes of playing time.

If he continues this kind of production throughout the preseason, the Cavs may have a better idea of how they want to handle the talented two-way forward’s rookie year.