Rockets select Tari Eason with No. 17 pick

With the No. 17 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets selected LSU forward Tari Eason.

Eason wasn't on the NBA radar until transferring from Cincinnati last season. He had a breakout year in his only campaign with the Tigers, averaging 16.9 points, 6.6 boards, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Eason also finished third in the SEC in free-throw attempts (188) and fourth in true shooting percentage (61.5%).

The All-SEC first-team selection's production was impressive considering he came off the bench and often battled foul trouble. Eason improved his perimeter shooting considerably and showed tremendous defensive versatility, often acting as LSU's small-ball center in its switch-heavy scheme.

Bio

Position: Forward
School: LSU
College experience: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 217 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-2
Max vertical: N/A

Strengths

• Quick first step
• Can absorb contact when driving to basket
• Gets to free-throw line often
• Has length, lateral quickness to guard 1 through 5
• Explosive leap
• Shows great defensive instincts when playing passing lanes

Weaknesses

• Foul-prone
• Shooting off the dribble
• Needs to improve decision-making
• Can sometimes play out of control
• Struggles to finish with off hand