Tari Eason shifting into a new gear at the perfect time for the Rockets

The Houston Rockets have been steadily building toward a return to postseason play. They've increased their win total in every season since the abysmal 17-55 campaign in 2020-21, going an even 41-41 in 2023-24, including a 16-7 record from Mar. 1, 2024 on.

Now on pace to reach the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2019-20, the Rockets' commitment to a long-term rebuild and culture shift is paying off—and Tari Eason has been a crucial contributor.

Eason has become one of the best stories to emerge from Houston's 39-25 campaign in 2024-25. The 23-year-old is posting career-best averages in points, assists, steals, blocks, and three-point field goals made per game, increasing his efficiency across the board in the process.

With averages of 11.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 offensive boards, 1.3 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.1 three-point field goals made on .488/.361/.759 shooting in just 24.6 minutes per game, it's impossible to overlook Eason's impact.

The most intriguing development of all, however, is how the 2022 first-round draft pick has made something of a leap as the postseason nears. He's begun to tap into a new level of his potential as a scorer, showing an aggressive mentality when Houston has needed it most.

The Rockets have given Eason more minutes since the end of January, and he's already proving to be ready for the challenge.

Tari Eason proving his per-36 numbers are legitimate.

Eason has averaged 28.8 minutes per game since Jan. 30—up significantly from the 22.9 he averaged before then. During his 12 appearances since the end of January, he's averaged 13.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 offensive boards, 1.8 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.5 three-point field goals made per game.

Not to be confused with an all-volume player, Eason has produced a remarkably efficient slash line of .527/.439/.833 during that time.

Beyond the averages, Eason has begun to tap into his otherworldly potential. He posted 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals in a win over the Phoenix Suns, and tallied 20 points, five steals, and a block against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Eason also ripped off 16 points, 14 rebounds, and eight offensive boards against the Indiana Pacers—a testament to how he can impact the game in almost every way.

The reason Rockets fans should be intrigued by this admittedly small sample size is that it supports a growing trend. Eason has now scored at least 20 points in three of the six games during which he's played at least 30 minutes in 2024-25, and he recorded 14 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks in one of the others.

On the season, Eason is averaging 17.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.2 offensive boards, 2.0 assists, 3.2 steals, 1.8 blocks, and 2.3 three-point field goals made when he plays at least 30 minutes.

Thankfully, it appears as though Udoka and the Rockets are leaning into the value Eason can provide. He is, after all, averaging 17.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 offensive boards, 2.0 assists, 2.8 steals, 1.3 blocks, and 1.7 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes—shockingly similar numbers to when he plays at least 30 in a single game.

If the Rockets continue to provide Eason with big minutes, the leap to genuine stardom should be all but inevitable.