How body transformation of second-year Cavaliers forward could propel NBA opportunities

Bates was once regarded as a basketball phenom and tipped to be a top selection in the 2022 NBA Draft. However, his short basketball career to date has been a turbulent one. 

After a decorated high school career, injuries hampered Bates' time with Memphis at the collegiate level. In 18 games, he posted averages of 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds through the 2021-22 season, on lowly shooting numbers. The 6-foot-8 small forward then transferred to Eastern Michigan to continue his progress. He managed to show promise, featuring in 30 contests and recording averages of 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds. However, his first few months were also marred by a misdemeanor gun charge.

The injuries and legal issues caused Bates' draft stock to plummet, resulting in him being selected with the No. 49 overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was subsequently signed to a two-way contract. 

Bates spent the majority of his rookie year in the G League with the Canton Charge. In 10 showcase games, he averaged 24.8 points whilst draining 41.6% from three-point range, on 10.1 attempts per contest. As a rookie, Bates was the fourth-highest scorer through the showcase and carried his form into the G League regular season, too. Where, in 17 contests, he recorded averages of 19.8 points and 5.9 rebounds. 

Even though his shooting numbers regressed through the regular season, the Cavaliers rookie took leaps in his development, highlighted by a 38-point outburst against the Santa Cruz Warriors in early January — which included him draining eight from deep. A selection into the G League Next Up Game at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend then followed.

The most likely scenario is that Bates spends further time in the G League. Already standing at 6-foot-8 and now showing off a larger frame, the expectation is that he could be one of the best players in the league. 

With that in mind  — and especially if his shooting numbers from deep are strong — he will undoubtedly play his way into NBA minutes down the line. 

Kenny Atkinson and the Cavaliers clearly have an extremely talented young player on their hands. One who should far outperform his draft position. Whether it's this season or over the coming years, Bates could very well be a player that the other 29 NBA teams regret passing on.