Not so long ago, Emoni Bates looked like a potential NBA superstar.
Unfortunately, some struggles off the court in college derailed his promising outlook.
The Cleveland Cavaliers rolled the dice and took him with a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
He showed glimpses of strong play as a rookie and got buckets with ease in the G-League as well.
That’s why Shaquille O’Neal put the Cavs on blast for not playing Bates more this season.
With that in mind, the 21-year-old took to social media to thank the NBA legend for the support:
“all love OG @SHAQ appreciate the love work gone show,” Bates wrote on X.
all love OG @SHAQ appreciate the love ๐ฏwork gone show ๐ฏ https://t.co/DTVEFopyb1
— Emoni Bates (@BatesEmoni) June 9, 2025
Bates struggled with an injury this season and spent most of the year in the G-League.
He averaged 3.7 points per game in 10 appearances for the Cavs.
His talent is more than evident, and given the Cavs’ financial constraints, they might have no choice but to give him a chance to prove he can be an impact player off the bench next season.
Perhaps they’re still not sure about Bates, who has a history of volatility.
Hopefully, he’ll keep up the hard work and prove he’s worthy of a chance, as his shot-making skills have never been in doubt.
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