Cleveland Cavaliers forward Emoni Bates has displayed flashes of stardom so far during the NBA preseason. The 19-year-old rookie has a high-ceiling and Cleveland is excited to see if he can continue to impress during the regular season. Bates recently commented on his NBA preseason success, per Bally Sports Cleveland.
“Really just coming out here, same mindset, just trying to win,” Bates said. “I feel like, as I’m going in with the mindset trying to win, I feel like the game just comes to me.”
Bates was then asked about seeing his hard work come to fruition at the NBA level.
“It means a lot to me especially ‘cuz I’m a gym rat,” he said. “I love the gym. So I be in the gym every day. I feel like those hours that I’m putting in are paying off for sure.”
Cavs: Emoni Bates impressing during NBA preseason
JB Bickerstaff and the Cavs have been impressed by Bates’ preseason effort. Bickerstaff recently commented on Bates ahead of the regular season.
“We are extremely fortunate that Emoni was there at (No. 49),” Bickerstaff said. “I believe that Emoni is fortunate to be here also because I think the pairing works. I think for his development, his advancement over his career, being here works.
“But I also believe like if Emoni would have gone in the lottery, he’d have been the type of player who’d have been in the Rookie of the Year conversation. But, again, we are extremely fortunate that he’s here with us. I look forward to working with him for a long time.”
The Cavs have high expectations for the 2023 season. Bates projects to be an exciting player to watch throughout the 2023-24 campaign.