Tari Eason

Eason, the No. 17 pick in 2022, posted 9.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 assists in 21.6 minutes per game across 82 appearances as a rookie. The 6-foot-8 forward started five of those contests, averaging 13.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.6 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game. He was clearly productive when handed an expanded role, but the Rockets were not good last year and made significant upgrades this offseason, adding Jeff Green, Jock Landale, Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson to a frontcourt that already featured Eason, Jabari Smith, Alperen Sengun and Jae'Sean Tate. Given his potential, Eason should still be able to carve out a rotational role in 2023-24, but he may be farther away from a starting gig. Eason posted mediocre shooting splits (44.8/34.3/75.2) in 2022-23 while attempting 8.0 field goals, 2.1 three-pointers and 1.8 free throws per game, so his playing time next year likely depends on his ability to improve his offensive efficiency. Eason was impressive during limited action at Summer League, showcasing his all-around skill set, but he may have to focus on his rebounding and defensive skills to earn the trust of new head coach Ime Udoka before he starts to expand his offensive game at the top level.

Houston selected Eason, a standout forward at LSU last year who started his collegiate career at Cincinnati, with the 17th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-8 rookie showed a unique mixture of perimeter skill (35.9 percent from three) and strength (5.7 free-throw attempts per game) on offense while also being a stalwart defender during his sophomore campaign. In his only season in the SEC, he averaged 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks. Despite being drafted outside of the lottery, Eason made his presence felt during the Rockets' first Summer League contest, outplaying No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith. Eason finished Summer League with averages of 17.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks across five games, and the same things he excelled at in college (ability to space the floor and defensive energy) translated to the NBA level, though the regular season will provide a more difficult test. The former Tiger figures to compete with Jae'Sean Tate, who recently re-signed with Houston via a three-year, $22.1 million deal, for the top backup forward spot behind the aforementioned Smith.