On Sunday night, Kevin Durant was on fire in Detroit. He accumulated a total of 43 points while helping the Brooklyn Nets clinch a win over the Detroit Pistons. Kyrie Irving’s 38 points played the perfect supporting role to Durant’s on-court magic. With the expertise of the two All-Stars, the Nets also managed to pull off a comeback during the third quarter of the game. However, an individual in the arena left Durant in awe. After the end of the game, Irving and Durant spent time on the sidelines with the individual, who is attempting to break through into the league.

Kevin Durant loves everything about the sport he plays. Naturally, he follows the game at each level. So, when Emoni Bates caught the attention of the world of basketball, Durant couldn’t help but notice the teenager. At the age of 15, Bates made it to the cover of Sports Illustrated. With his impressive high school performance, Bates was compared to the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Joining the league was next in line for him. However, things didn’t go his way.

Kevin Durant on Emoni Bates

Earlier in the year, news broke that Emoni Bates had spent an entire night at the Washtenaw County Jail. The youngster was arrested for having an assault weapon in his car and tempering the serial number’s on the weapon. Bates plead guilty. He said, “I hold myself accountable for making a poor decision”. Eastern Michigan University suspended Bates for a short period of time. He is currently serving an 18-month probation.

10 Months After Ditching Kevin Durant, James Harden Launches Attack: “Am I Still the Quitter?”

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $20 Million Venture’s Identical Logo to Puma Gets Defended by Dwyane Wade: “I’m Not Even Getting Paid”

May 03, 2024 06:07 AM EDT

WNBA’s “Weird” Policy Comes to Light as Caitlin Clark and Co. Travel in Public Transport: “Liberty Were Fined $500K…”

May 03, 2024 04:06 AM EDT

Rich Paul: Only Savannah James & Bronny Could Cut LeBron’s 5-Year Plan Short

May 02, 2024 07:10 PM EDT

Ty Lue Doesn’t Want To Coach Lakers & LeBron James As Billionaire Steve Ballmer’s Charm Traps 47YO Veteran

May 04, 2024 06:42 AM EDT

Brittney Griner Blasts WNBA for Ruining Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso’s Debut: “In No World Does It Make Sense…”

May 04, 2024 01:10 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

As his glory was hampered by a mistake, Kevin Durant pointed out that each individual is meant to go through trials and tribunals to get to the highest level of the game. Durant described Bates’ journey to Yahoo Sports while stating that Bates. He said, “I like that he’s going the total opposite route in life. Leaving school early, transferring from Memphis, got arrested. Went through some s***”.

The two-time finals MVP added that people understand their place in life only after going through tough times. With that said, he pointed out that Bates is a lot more grounded and humble.

Durant is happy that Bates hasn’t gone down the wrong road of line. The 12-time All-Star said, “It’s good to see him balling out right now.”

Watch This Story: LeBron James floored by Kevin Durant ending a man’s career with his iconic move during Nets vs Wizards

At the home of the Detroit Pistons, the 18-year-old took pictures with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Irving gave Bates a long hug and whispered words of encouragement. Emoni Bates’ journey to the big league is going to be steep and rocky. With that said, it is going to be interesting to see how he makes his way to the top.