The Cleveland Cavaliers failed to capitalize on an impressive 2024-25 regular season, and were eliminated from the Playoffs at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. The early exit, at the Eastern Conference Semifinals, raises serious questions regarding the roster.
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What made the Cavaliers such a dangerous team entering the postseason was their extraordinary depth. Aside from their starting lineup, Ty Jerome and De’Andre Hunter were also starting-caliber players coming off their bench.
However, despite what seemed like an overwhelming force of talent, Cleveland still lacked in one major area. And Shaquille O’Neal blamed the Cavaliers’ general manager, Mike Gansey, for overlooking it.
The Cavs failed to put up points when it mattered most. Donovan Mitchell couldn’t shoulder the offensive burden by himself. They lacked a potential difference-maker. Ironically, the Cavaliers do have a great scorer on their roster, but he didn’t play a single second in the playoffs.
Former high school sensation Emoni Bates, a 6-foot-8 forward, had once drawn comparisons with Kevin Durant as the next great generational scorer. Bates hasn’t lived up to those expectations because he hasn’t gotten the opportunity. O’Neal says that’s unacceptable.
“To the Cleveland Cavaliers’ general manager, what the f**k are you doing?” O’Neal asked on The Big Podcast. “Why is Emoni Bates in the G-League?”
Cleveland selected Bates with the 49th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Despite his immense potential, his skill set has been confined to the Cavaliers’ G-League affiliate. And, playing with the Cleveland Charge, he has been amazing.
Bates has averaged 18.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game over two seasons with the Charge. He even showcased his potential in the NBA, playing the Cavaliers’ final regular-season game. The young forward played 42 minutes and tallied 25 points while connecting 7 three-pointers.
O’Neal believes that translates to winning basketball. “The last game you put him in, he had 7 threes. Don’t you think you need that for a championship?” he said.
Although Bates struggles as a defender, you can’t ignore his ability to put the ball in the basket. Defense is imperative for the pursuit of a championship, but it won’t mean anything if the team can’t score on the other end.
“If I’m a coach, I want all the scorers I can play,” O’Neal said. “He’s been in the G-League for two years. What’s going on?”
If there’s any team that could hide Bates’ defensive woes, it would be the Cavaliers. They have 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt. They, more often than not, would erase any mistakes Bates makes.
The Cavaliers have to try something new to take the next step in the 2025-26 season. That change could involve elevating the role of Bates. Shaq thinks so, too.
