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Tari Eason – Most Underrated Rookie in the NBA?

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When the Houston Rockets drafted Tari Eason at pick 17, there was a consensus that while it was an astute selection, he would likely be a a development project over the coming seasons. However, there were also plenty of concerns. “He has an awkward form that may prevent him from becoming a consistent 3-point shooter at the NBA level. Also, from what I’ve seen he’s not a great defender by any means. His IQ is a huge red flag for my due to his high foul rate and bad shot and pass selection. He has shown flashes of upside, but I personally struggle to see him as a top-10 pick.”

Coming to the pointy end of the season and reflecting on the season to date, it’s clear Eason has surpassed expectations and also rendered the critics comments null and void. On the season, (21 min per game) he averaged 9.3 ppg (46.2% FG & 35.8% 3PT%), 5.9 rpg (2.3 offensive rpg), 1 apg and 1.2 spg. His incredible motor and hustle is exemplified by averaging 2.2 offensive rebounds per game in just 21 minutes per game, which ranks him in the 99th percentile for offensive rebounding. This puts him 3rd in offensive rpg averages behind two centers, Duren (3.3) and Kessler (3.1). Extrapolate this to stats per 36 min and they are as follows: 16 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2 spg and 1 bpg.

 

Eason is a competent ball-handler and shooter with a good combo of size and speed. This has seen him deployed in a variety of versatile lineups which allow the Rockets to take advantage of his length alongside a similar build in Jabari Smith. These two essentially are the cornerstone of the Rockets defensive identity going forward, which they desperately need given their shortcomings in this department over the last couple of seasons – last season they were dead last in scoring defence. This season, Eason has registered a defensive estimated plus minus in the 90th percentile, alongside ranking in the 100th percentile among forwards in steal rate and the 84th percentile in block rate help . This was very much the prospect the Rockets drafted for, reflected in comments made by Eason’s coach at LSU. “They’re getting a very efficient, athletic, hard-playing, versatile basketball player,” Armstrong said. “He fits the NBA perfectly.” Eason’s versatility and elite defensive IQ has already seen him touted as one of the ‘2022 NBA Rookies Who Already Look Like Draft Day Steals (Bleacher Report)‘. His ability to navigate screens and stay attached despite being clipped by screens is incredible, especially given the calibre of players he is assigned to defend.

While he is obviously a talented on-ball defender, his off-ball tendencies are what really packages him as a complete defensive prospect. Among players who’ve logged at least 500 minutes, only Melton and Caruso average more deflections per 36 minutes.

Eason statistical breakdown

Block%: 97th percentile

Steal%: 98th percentile

Offensive Reb%: 99th percentile

Defensive Reb%: 93rd percentile

On/Off ORTG: 72nd percentile

On/Off Drtg: 87th percentile

On/Off net rating: 89th percentile

The future

So, what’s next for Eason? The opportunity to be one of the leagues better two way forwards is definitely on the cards, especially at just 21 years old. He’s already received plenty of recognition across the league, most recently coming from Draymond Green. Speaking on Eason and Smith he said:

“They play the game the right way and go about the business of playing good basketball. That is very hard to find in today’s NBA. A lot of these players want what comes from the game without putting in what it takes to be successful. Those two are always looking to improve, and as rookies, that is a good attitude to have.”

Personally, I think he makes an all defensive team within the next 3-5 years, hinged on him receiving 30+ minutes per game. What are your predictions?