Cavaliers two-way wing Emoni Bates underwent arthroscopic surgery on Monday to treat a torn meniscus in his right knee, according to a team press release. Bates will be reevaluated in approximately one month, the release adds.
Bates posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed with a smile on his face, stating he had a “slight tear” and that he’d “be back stronger n better.” (Twitter link).
Bates was also on a two-way deal last season as a rookie. He was re-signed in August as a restricted free agent after Cleveland extended a qualifying offer.
A former five-star recruit, Bates was selected 49th overall in the 2023 draft following a pair of up-and-down college seasons at Memphis and Eastern Michigan. The 20-year-old appeared in just 15 games for Cleveland as a rookie, averaging 2.7 points per game on 30.6% shooting in 8.9 minutes per night.
In 27 Showcase Cup and regular season G League games for the Cleveland Charge, Bates showed more promise, putting up 21.6 PPG and 5.7 RPG with a .414/.371/.814 shooting line.
Luke Travers and JT Thor are the other two-way players for the Cavs.