After a number of rumors surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers and their plans with the No. 49 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, president of basketball operations Koby Altman opted to keep the pick in favor of selecting former top high school recruit Emoni Bates.
Taking Bates led to divisive reactions across the Land’s fandom. The Eastern Michigan forward comes to the NBA after a tumultuous college career. His innate basketball talent was undeniable; yet, his overall team mentality and playstyle remained questionable.
At his best, Bates is the steal of the draft. At his worst, he is out of the league within half a decade.