Detroit — Kevin Durant I’ve just polished my sterling, 43-point performance in comeback win over- detroit pistons When he met someone many believed would follow in his footsteps until the last few years.
Emoni Bates
A sophomore from Eastern Michigan had just finished a game on his own. 19 points in a 79-77 win Over the Detroit Mercy, waiting to chat with Durant at Little Caesars Arena.
Durant not only Kyrie Irving gave Bates words of encouragement in a long hug. brooklyn nets I left Detroit on Sunday.
Bates recently received 18 months of probation after a gun was found in the car he was driving in September. He pleaded guilty last week to a misdemeanor charge, The Detroit News reported that the conviction would be expunged from his record. If he successfully completes probation.
“I like that he’s taken a completely opposite path in life,” Durant told Yahoo Sports. You have to go through some s*** in this life to really understand where you are.
“He’s playing good ball now. He’s been through some s***. He’s a little more solid.”
To be clear, Durant did not support Bates’ arrest. He was simply describing the big picture of Bates’ path and how difficult it is to get to the next level despite his skill and pedigree. It wasn’t just passing on Bates’ encouragement. It seems he has a real investment.
Bates graced the cover of Sports Illustrated When 2020 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, but he has not yet fulfilled his promise. He’s averaging 18.9 points and 4.9 rebounds for East Michigan, shooting 46 percent from the field and shooting 39 percent from range on his 3-point range.
As a prep star from Ypsilanti, Michigan, Bates has a sleek jumper and is tall and skinny like Durant when he came to the Washington, D.C. area. Durant resisted his urge to stay in the area for his college studies. Washington Wizards Though he was seriously considering it during free agency, he thinks it might be better for Bates to stay home.
Bates’ father, Elgin, stayed with him while Emoni took pictures with Durant and Irving.
“He’s at home. He has a support system,” Durant told Yahoo Sports. “If you’re away from home and don’t have that kind of clout around and you’re behind the other guys, it can be even worse. Seeing him playing fine now?” is good.”
