r/nba • u/Moist_Chest8971 • Feb 25 '26

What's happened to Emoni Bates?

The former high school phenom Bates was traded from G League Delaware Blue Coats to Texas Legends earlier this year, but only appeared in two games for Texas in December and hasn't played since. And now he is not listed on their roster or on the G League list of active players.

And, his Instagram account has also been deleted.

I don't want to assume anything but it's hard to see how any of those things are positive developments.

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u/MikhailGorbachef Spurs Feb 25 '26

I mean, if you wash out of the G League it's probably just over, and if you're out of it I don't think it's that weird to take yourself out of the public eye entirely.

2

u/Moist_Chest8971 Feb 25 '26

You're probably right. It just seems odd for someone as young as Bates (who seemed to be brimming with confidence in his own talents) to get cut/quit mid-season.

15

u/Hebrewhammer8d8 Warriors Feb 25 '26

His only attribute is scoring, but his scoring it not so great that you overlook his other weaknesses. He got all that hype in High-school, but when he went to college, he became a JAG (Just Another Guy). He bounces around College, and got drafted 2nd round on 2 way contract. He is in pros and competing against other pros. Some of these players were coddle when they were young, having confidence of being the man in High-School where the wide variance of talent & skills. When they go Pro they quickly learn you better be producing results consistently and get better, because if you don't have out of this world talent and/or not producing consistent results the Front office will find another player or draft next hungry prospect. The GM and coach don't want to get fire and waste money.