Throughout the NBA preseason, fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers have been very impressed by incoming rookie Emoni Bates.
They’re not alone: head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has also been blown away by the young player.
According to Evan Dammarell, Bickerstaff had a lot of praise to give Bates on Monday night.
“We’re fortunate that Emoni is here. And, I think, he’s fortunate to be here because the pairing works,” Bickerstaff said.
#Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that with how pure of a shooter and scoring threat Emoni Bates is, if he went in the lottery he’d be contending for Rookie of the Year.
“We’re fortunate that Emoni is here. And, I think, he’s fortunate to be here because the pairing works.”
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) October 17, 2023
Bickerstaff said that Bates has the sort of youthful energy and skill that could earn someone like him Rookie of the Year.
He is clearly very fond of the forward and expects great things from him in the season ahead.
So far in the preseason, Bates has recorded 12.7 points and 3 rebounds a game in just 16.3 minutes.
He has been a clutch performer at times too, posting some incredible fourth quarters when the starters have been resting.
Despite all of this, people aren’t sure what the season ahead will look like for Bates.
Even with this explosive output, it’s hard for a rookie to secure consistent minutes during the season.
That is even more true when the rookie is on a team like the Cavaliers, who are one of the best in their conference and adamant about having a truly competitive year.
Still, Bates’ skills cannot be denied and he has definitely earned the chance to play in some games in the regular season.
Will Bickerstaff reward Bates’ hard work and allow him time on the floor?
It would be shocking to rarely see Bates again after the fabulous preseason he’s had.
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