CAMDEN, N.J. — Ahead of training camp, the Philadelphia 76ers made a flurry of moves including bringing in former second-round pick Emoni Bates on a camp deal. Once a highly-touted prospect, Bates went to Eastern Michigan before being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 49 pick in the 2023 NBA draft.
Bates has starred in the G League as he averaged 18.6 points and 5.9 rebounds in the 2024-25 season with the Cleveland Charge, but he had not been able to crack a veteran-laden rotation with the Cavs. He played in 25 games in two seasons in Cleveland and averaged 3.1 points and 0.8 rebounds.
Advertisement
As Bates starts anew with the Sixers, he is looking to put everything behind him and make a good first impressions on the coaching staff in Philadelphia.
“Really just trying to show myself that I play at a high level, and help this team in whichever way I need to,” said Bates. “Go out there and give 110% every day. I work hard, so I don’t have to worry about that, but really, just go out there and have fun with basketball and be the best version of myself.”
Bates brings a lot to the table. He stands at 6-foot-8, has a ton of length, can put the ball on the floor, and can knock down tough looks. Due to the nature of his contract, he’s going to begin the season in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats. One has to believe the Sixers will keep their eye on him as he makes his presence known within the organization.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Emoni Bates discusses what he wants to show Sixers with current chance