Welcome Emoni Bates

[Kouki]

Ain't that a bit premature? He's so raw in terms of being coached and developed. He has a loooooooooong way to go, yeah, and IF all his other skills remain completely stagnant then yeah he better be in the GOAT shooter convo. But I think it's premature to say he won't get better at those other skills.

 

[JJ_PR]

Bates gives me good vibes. Like an all-time second round heist type of vibe. There's a reason he was so hyped up as a high school prospect, the talent is clearly there.

 

[Kizzle]

We kinda NEED this guy to workout.

We need a star to pop up and have no way of getting one

 

[Thelastcavsfan]

I want this guy to workout, seems like a good kid, but I worry about the lack of athleticism, quickness on defense, length, and not being able to get off a shot unless the defender is 3 feet fromhim.

 

[NMCav]

I want this guy to workout, seems like a good kid, but I worry about the lack of athleticism, quickness on defense, length, and not being able to get off a shot unless the defender is 3 feet fromhim.

He has a 6-9 wingspan. He doesn't lack length. Does he have elite length? No but if you have a 6-9 wingspan and you play SG/SF your not lacking in length.

 

[guitarguy]

Not to be a downer, but I'm not sure he has it. He needs so much work. Could he go off in a game and hit 7 3 pointers, sure...but he seems way too slow and passive on defense. Aside from automatic trigger from 3 seems pretty passive everywhere else too.

 

[AussieCavFan]

Not to be a downer, but I'm not sure he has it. He needs so much work. Could he go off in a game and hit 7 3 pointers, sure...but he seems way to slow and passive on defense. Aside from automatic trigger from 3 seems pretty passive everywhere else too.

His pathway to success is becoming a passable defender and a high volume effective 3 point shooter playing next to other playmakers to simplify the role. I think there's definitely a chance he can become that.

 

[rastamon87]

Needs to get in touch with Rashard Lewis and his HGH guy....

 

[AustinCarr]

His pathway to success is becoming a passable defender and a high volume effective 3 point shooter playing next to other playmakers to simplify the role. I think there's definitely a chance he can become that.

Agreed. Gaining a good amount of functional strength is going to be key for him. He doesn't need to be the quickest guy if he ca body guys up and not get pushed around.

 

[AussieCavFan]

Agreed. Gaining a good amount of functional strength is going to be key for him. He doesn't need to be the quickest guy if he ca body guys up and not get pushed around.

He can definitely get stronger but he seems to have one of those Corey brewer type frames that can't really put on weight. A huge part is going to be between the ears. Will he learn and commit to the defensive end.

 

[macbdog]

Can't wait to see what the new coach can do with him. Not many teams have a future superstar just sitting on their G League roster.

 

[guitarguy]

I will say, I don't think talent is a problem with Bates, and even his instincts seem pretty good, but he doesn't seem like a firey player at all...couple that with his sub par NBA level athleticism, just looks like he's going to get destroyed even by average players in the NBA. He's kind of the opposite of CPj.

 

[NMCav]

I will say, I don't think talent is a problem with Bates, and even his instincts seem pretty good, but he doesn't seem like a firey player at all...couple that with his sub par NBA level athleticism, just looks like he's going to get destroyed even by average players in the NBA. He's kind of the opposite of CPj.

I don't think he lacks fire. He has the same mindset as Mobley I think. They just don't express themselves so people think they don't care but they just keep it contained. I think Bates will be fine if the team can hire the right coach. But if JBB stays then Bates has no shot.

 

[guitarguy]

I don't think he lacks fire. He has the same mindset as Mobley I think. They just don't express themselves so people think they don't care but they just keep it contained. I think Bates will be fine if the team can hire the right coach. But if JBB stays then Bates has no shot.

I was more talking about watching him play. Mobley and CPj are very active, Bates is not. There is no comparison imo, and coaching has nothing to do with it.

 

[AustinCarr]

He can definitely get stronger but he seems to have one of those Corey brewer type frames that can't really put on weight. A huge part is going to be between the ears. Will he learn and commit to the defensive end.

Agreed. Though that is why I called out functional strength as opposed to muscle mass. I think he has the ability to be STRONG enough, even if he is never thick.

I want to see him work on repositioning on offense. And on defense, work on...well, a lot.