Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell ready to put rookie Emoni Bates under his wing: 'He's got a lot of talent'

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He may have been a second-rounder in this year’s NBA Draft, but new Cleveland Cavaliers forward Emoni Bates already has the stamp of approval from the team’s star guard. 

Donovan Mitchell is looking past how Bates’ college journey turned out on paper and rather at what he can provide a team that made the playoffs out of the Eastern Conference last season despite a shake-up that included the All-Star being moved from the Utah Jazz to the Cavaliers. 

Speaking at Fanatics’ inaugural Merch Madness Fan Gear Giveaway in Harlem, New York, on Tuesday, Mitchell explained his excitement for Bates’ arrival in Cleveland.

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shoots a foul shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

"I’ve known him for a little bit, so I’m excited to get him in Cleveland," he told Fox News Digital of the 6-foot-9, 190-pound forward. "He’s got a lot of talent, man. A lot of talent. He’s going to be able to help us for sure."

Mitchell was quick to head to social media after the Cavs drafted Bates, saying "Let’s get it!! @BatesEmoni." The incoming rookie replied, "I can’t wait big bro."

It will be brotherly bond between the two, with Mitchell being the elder to look up to. That is not hard as Mitchell has made four straight All-Star teams in the last four seasons, while averaging a career-high 28.3 points in his first year with Cleveland during the 2022-23 campaign. 

However, Bates was pegged as the next Kevin Durant while gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated in high