Shaquille O’Neal Rips Cavaliers For Keeping Emoni Bates In G League

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal ripped the Cleveland Cavaliers for keeping Emoni Bates in the G League

The Cavaliers drafted Bates with the 49th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Bates has played in 25 NBA games, averaging 3.1 points. 

Bates appeared in 10 games with the Cavaliers last season. He averaged 3.7 points.

However, the youngster went off for 25 points while shooting 9-of-19 from the field and 7-of-15 from 3 in the final regular season game against the Indiana Pacers on April 13. 

To the Cleveland Cavaliers General Manager,

What the f**k are you doing? pic.twitter.com/Hbf8MNPRPa

— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) June 8, 2025

Bates averaged 18.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks in the G League this season. 

The 21-year-old appreciated Shaq’s kind words. 

all love OG @SHAQ appreciate the love 💯work gone show 💯 https://t.co/DTVEFopyb1

— Emoni Bates (@BatesEmoni) June 9, 2025

The Cavaliers had the best record in the East this year. They swept the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs and looked like a legitimate title contender. 

However, the Pacers beat the Cavaliers in the conference semifinals in five games. 

It will be fascinating to see if Bates gets real minutes on the Cavaliers next season.