Cleveland Cavaliers swingman Emoni Bates recently underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, his team announced.
Bates is scheduled for re-evaluation in approximately one month, at which point a clearer timeline for his return to basketball activities will emerge.
Bates is anticipated to commence his rehabilitation shortly, focusing on retaining the physical improvements he achieved over the summer. The Cavaliers will closely track his recovery, carefully determining when he will be fit to make his return to the court.
After undergoing successful surgery, Bates took to Twitter, declaring that he will be back “stronger and better.”
The former five-star recruit had just returned to the Cavaliers on a two-way contract and was poised to see increased playing time in the NBA after showcasing his talents in the G League.
During his rookie season, Bates primarily played for the G League’s Cleveland Charge, where he averaged an impressive 19.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 34.6 minutes per game in 18 outings.
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Emoni Bates committed himself to securing a larger role with the Cavaliers this offseason, focusing extensively on his physical development.
During his time competing against NBA-caliber players last season, he realized he was often outmatched physically and defensively. At 6-foot-9 and just 170 pounds, Bates faced challenges when up against bigger players in the small forward and power forward positions.
To bridge that gap, Bates dedicated countless hours to weight training. His hard work has already yielded impressive results, as he noted the significant changes in his body.
“Since I’ve been here, I gained 26 pounds,” Bates said. “I was 170 when I got here, I’m 196 now. So, I mean, that was a huge jump for me. And I feel it when I play now. I just can’t wait to show it.”
Last season, Bates was on a two-way contract, splitting time between the Cavaliers and the Cleveland Charge, their G League affiliate. While his recent knee surgery presents a hurdle, it does not overshadow the talent he brings to the table.
