Many do not see Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant as a role model because of his recent off-court issues, but one NBA rookie thinks of him as a brother.
Emoni Bates of the Cleveland Cavaliers revealed that he and Morant go way back before the Cavs drafted him as their 49th overall pick.
The two-time All-Star is also why he was interested in landing on a Memphis roster.
"He check in with me every here and there," Bates told Damichael Cole of Memphis Commercial Appeal.
"That's big bro. He always check in with me. I'm pretty sure he's going to text me when I get to the hotel. I try to talk to him as much as I can."
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The Grizzlies had the chance to pick Bates in June draft but opted for GG Jackson as their 45th selection.
Bates, who played one season with the Memphis Tigers, is just like Morant as he, too, got involved in gun-related off-court issues, which many thought was why his stock fell from being a projected #1 pick.
Proving he belongs to the big league
The past does not matter for Bates now, as he is more focused on proving that he belongs to the league.
He is playing for the Cavs in the Summer League and is playing his usual self, torching opponents with his outside shooting.
He scored 21 points against the Grizzlies to help keep the Cavs remain undefeated.
For me, I'm at peace," he told Yahoo Sports. "Now I just get to work and focus on getting better, and I don't have to worry about expectations. It doesn't matter where I go. I'm just trying to get through the door and get a chance at this point."
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