Tari Eason was just gifted perfect opportunity to make the Rockets look genius

The Rockets signed Tari Eason to a very favorable contract extension this offseason, but could see it get even better if Eason develops a consistent jump shot. Fortunately, they’ve brought in the perfect piece to make that happen, as Chip Engelland joins the coaching staff with a reputation as “The Shot Doctor”. If Eason can find more shooting consistency with Engelland, his contract could go from being a solid piece of negotiation into one of the best value deals in the entire NBA.

The Rockets are giving Eason all the right tools 

Rather than relying on outside help to right their offense, the Rockets are heading towards another season of opportunity for Eason. He’s given them plenty of reasons to inspire confidence in the past, including his hot shooting start last season. In each of the first four months of last season, Eason shot over 40% from three-point range, including a scorching 53% in October to start the campaign.

But Eason has been too volatile with his shooting and he’s still got a ways to go if he wants to become a true 3-and-D staple for the Rockets. We’ve seen other players of his mold contribute towards championships in recent seasons, but only when their shooting is able to hold up through the playoffs. Unfortunately for Eason, his shooting dipped significantly to end last season, as he hit just 27% of his threes after January. 

Eason bounced back a bit in the playoffs, hitting 33% of his threes there. But his consistency month to month and game to game is what’s holding him back from a greater impact. If Engelland can successfully work his magic with Eason, he should start hitting his shots at a more steady clip regardless of situation and force defenses to react.

Eason’s ceiling skyrockets with a reliable jumper

Even without a consistent jumper, the Rockets got a great deal on Eason's extension at 5 years and $81.5 million. But with improved shooting, Eason could have much more offensive impact than what we've previously seen. His defense alone nearly makes the extension worth it, and any offensive improvement would just be icing on the cake.

With a better jumpshot, Eason could catapult into one of the league's top role players. His tenacious defense has often turned the tide of games for the Rockets, even with opposing teams paying little attention to him on offense. Next season, that may no longer be the case if Eason improves his shooting consistency.

Last season, even during his hot shooting stretches, Eason didn't have the expected offensive impact because defenses were still daring him to shoot. Instead of hitting 50% of his threes one month and 25% another month, a consistent 36-38% should strike more fear in opponents' hearts. That level of accuracy on solid volume is definitely attainable after an offseason of shooting development, and will go a long way in fixing the Rockets' offensive woes.

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