PistonPowered
Fansided

Could Emoni Bates be the Detroit Pistons version of LeBron?

By Ryan Love

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 12: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warming up before a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 12, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 110-107. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 12: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warming up before a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 12, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 110-107. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Detroit Pistons
A shot of the Detroit Pistons logo on the court (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

How good is Emoni Bates?

Bates won Gatorade Players of the Year in Michigan as a freshman at Lincoln.

Bates averaged 28.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.8 assists in his first high school season — leading his team to a 21-4 record.

His efforts also earned him 2018-19 MaxPreps National Freshman Player of the Year.

For reference, LeBron James averaged 18.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game as a freshman at St. Vincent-St. Mary.

He hasn’t slowed down since his dynamic freshman campaign.

Bates is averaging 33.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in his sophomore season ahead of the season’s playoffs, according to MaxPreps.

He can score from anywhere on the high school court.

Assuming he continues to develop at this pace, his jump shot, handle, and slashing ability will only get better.

2020 NBA Draft profile: LaMelo Ball. light. Related Story

I had heard his name here and there, but he didn’t truly come on my radar until earlier this season when I heard about his game against Chelsea — Bates dropped 63 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in a double-overtime win.

As he gets older Bates will need to add on size — something that could come easily between now and his eventual leap to the next level.

It’s important to note with prospects this young that any number of things can happen between now and when they are draft eligible.

However, Bates looks to be a special case — and looks to have the personality to match the classic, Detroit “Bad Boys” attitude.