The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a pair of Two-Way rookies on their roster so far this season.
One of these rookies is Emoni Bates, who was drafted by Cleveland in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft. He has averaged 21.6 points per game in 20 total contests for the NBA G League’s Cleveland Charge this season, and was named to the 2024 NBA G League Up Next Game.
The other has now reportedly earned an NBA contract.
According to The Athletic Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, undrafted rookie Craig Porter Jr. is signing a four-year contract with the Cavaliers.
The 23-year-old has provided the Wine and Gold with much needed depth so far this season. In 32 games (five starts), Porter Jr. is averaging 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per contest, while shooting 50.9% from the field.
Feb 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) dribbles the ball in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Porter Jr. appeared in 15 contests (four starts) during an 18-game stretch without 2022 NBA All-Star Darius Garland or 2022-23 All-NBA Defensive First Team member Evan Mobley in the lineup. He averaged 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, helping lead the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference’s best record in this span.
Cleveland has had to overcome a significant amount of adversity at the point guard position this season.
Ricky Rubio did not play for the Cavaliers this season due to a mental health break from basketball, during which he eventually agreed to a contract buyout and retired from the NBA. Ty Jerome has missed Cleveland’s last 50 games due to a right ankle injury, for which he has undergone surgery. Additionally, Garland has missed 24 games this season due to injury.
With a new four-year contract, Cleveland has likely cemented Porter Jr. as a key player in the rotation for the foreseeable future.
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