NBA Rookie Gets Honest About Ja Morant

NBA rookie Emoni Bates was selected 49th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the former Memphis Tigers forward admits he was definitely interested in being selected by the Grizzlies due to his relationship with Ja Morant.

Emoni Bates told me he was “definitely” interested in getting drafted by the Grizzlies.

Why?

“Ja. That’s like my big brother.”
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) July 11, 2023

Speaking with Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Bates said Morant is like his big brother. Bates spent one season at Memphis, where he averaged 9.7 PPG in 18 games his freshman year. Moving to Eastern Michigan for his second college season, Bates saw his scoring average jump to 19.2 PPG, earning him All-MAC honors.

Morant has a very strong influence in Memphis, which extends from his impact on the Grizzlies, all the way down to his impact in the community and on younger players like Bates. For those who have played basketball at any level in the city of Memphis, there is definitely an understanding of Morant's impact, but for Bates it's even more personal.

Ultimately landing with the Cavaliers, Bates is thankful for this opportunity, even if he had interest in joining the Grizzlies. Getting a chance to play NBA basketball is something not many players are given the opportunity to do, and Bates has already been making the most of it so far in Summer League. While he didn't end up with the Grizzlies, Bates is looking like a nice pick for the Cavaliers.

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