Houston Rockets rookie Tari Eason has been named to the All-Summer League first team. He is joined by Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Keegan Murray and Cam Thomas.
Tari Eason (Houston Rockets), Quentin Grimes (New York Knicks), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Milwaukee Bucks), Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings) and Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets) have been named to the NBA 2K23 All-Summer League First Team. pic.twitter.com/ffvd5TDWDg
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 18, 2022
Eason put together a fantastic Summer League flashing his defensive impact and offensive potential. he averaged 17.2 points, 1.6 assists, 1.8 steals and a Summer League leading 10.4 rebounds per game. He also posted solid shooting marks, hitting 33.3% of his 3-pointers, 78.6% of his free throws, and 49.1% on 2-pointers.
Beyond the stats, Eason's defensive instincts and ability routinely popped. He was able to lock down at the point of attack and was a menace in passing lanes. His defensive chemistry with Jabari Smith Jr. was sensational and the pair of rookies should help improve the Rockets' defense from day one.
Jabari Smith and Tari Eason defensive highlights from tonight's game 🔒
— ً (@arxanii) July 12, 2022
Sit back and enjoy pic.twitter.com/UwH0IRtRaH
Eason was always viewed as a defensive plus heading into the NBA Draft, but his offensive potential appears to have been misevaluated by the rest of the league. He showed the ability to blow by a defender, use his size and strength to create space, and then finish at the rim. His combination of speed, size, and strength stood out and portends the ability to reliably create his own shot.
This man Tari Eason is going to be a problem. Sheesh
— ᐯ卂ㄒㄖ尺 (@Vator_H_Town) July 8, 2022
pic.twitter.com/ARxYuQUJvc
Summer League should be taken with a grain of salt, but the way Eason showed out, he has to be in the conversation as the starting small forward. His defense from day one will be NBA quality, and his ability to create in transition and as a slasher should give him an instant role on offense. His 3-point shooting will still need to improve, but the best place to practice is on the court and not on the bench.