The Cleveland Cavaliers have done an incredible job of staying competitive in the 2023-24 NBA season.
Due to early-season injuries to some key members of the team, the Cavaliers resorted to giving chances to their inexperienced players, such as Sam Merrill and Craig Porter Jr.
While the decision by head coach J.B. Bickerstaff did wonders for the team’s performance this season, it ultimately led to their rookie Emoni Bates getting sidelined.
Bates was selected by the Cavaliers using the 49th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
However, Bates hasn’t been given a lot of opportunity to prove his worth this season, and as a result, the 20-year-old sent a message via his official Twitter handle.
“It might not happened when you want it too but it’s on the way trust,” Bates tweeted.
It might not happened when you want it too but itโs on the way trust๐๐ฝ๐ค๐พ
— Emoni Bates (@BatesEmoni) February 7, 2024
Bates’ cryptic message was probably about his place on the team, as his tweet suggested that despite things not going his way until now, they are working out.
So far, Bates has juggled playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and their G-League team.
He has played 10 games in the NBA, averaging just 1.8 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game for the team.
On the other hand, he has played eight games for the G-League team, where he has put up 23.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
Considering his performance in the G-League, it’s obvious that Bates has a huge upside if he’s given a proper opportunity in the NBA.
However, as of now, the Cavaliers simply do not need Bates in the lineup as they are currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 32-16 record behind an incredible 14-1 performance in their last 15 games.
NEXT: Reporter Explains Why Sam Merrill Won't Participate In 3-Point Contest
