Tari Eason Rumors

Varun Shankar: Rafael Stone and Ime Udoka both say this team should have won more games. Stone called the season frustrating. Didn't say firmly if team would make big moves but said even if HOU doesn't, expects growth from young players (mentioned Tari Eason, Jabari Smith, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard) to lead to addnl success.

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The third, and perhaps the cleanest avenue, is internal growth. Eason, for example, will be a restricted free agent this offseason, but Houston plans to re-engage in conversations around a long-term deal following the conclusion of the Finals, team sources said, in hopes of striking an agreement ahead of July 1. In the event that both parties fail to reach a common middle ground — there’s an understanding the 24-year-old could change management ahead of a pivotal summer — and Eason signs an offer sheet elsewhere, Houston, which still values his two-way contributions, would be expected to match.

Yahoo! Sports

Michael Scotto: Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason on free agency: “It’s tough to say I didn’t think about it. You definitely think about it. I was drafted here. I’ve grown up here. My family is here. I love Houston. As far as everything else, God knows.”

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Dave McMenamin: The Last Two Minute Report from Lakers-Rockets Game 5 upheld the charge on Eason being overturned to a block on Reaves. Given that there was already a video review last night, it is not surprising the L2M reflects correct officiating, in the NBA’s eyes

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Shams Charania: With Kevin Durant sidelined, the Rockets are expected to utilize the second-youngest starting lineup in NBA playoff history -- their homegrown core of Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun.

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‪Justin Russo‬: Tari Eason became the 8th player in NBA postseason history to record a double-double off the bench while going 100% from the field when he finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds on 7-for-7 shooting in tonight’s Game 1.

bsky.app

Varun Shankar: Injury reports for Rockets-Wolves - Eason still questionable (FVV and Adams OUT) - Ayo will play for Minn, Ant and Naz Reid questionable. - Rudy, Bones, Ingles, Randle all OUT

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“You mentioned drawing fouls. Tari Eason earlier this year said what makes you hard to defend is zebras. What’s your reaction to that?” Deni Avdija: “I do get a lot of criticism about drawing fouls, which is completely understandable. I understand it’s not the most fun thing to watch or it’s not the most aesthetic thing. But, you know, at the end of the day, I’m a very physical guy. I drive the ball the most in the league. I create contact the most in the league. And I feel like, you know, that’s just like that’s what happens. I mean, sometimes people who guard me, the best defenders, they try to be really aggressive with me. And, you know, part of them being really aggressive with me is giving me easy fouls. So if it’s on the table and I can take it, I’ll take it. Why would I work so hard? You know what I’m saying? A free throw, the free throw shot, is the most—you know, it’s a layup, and then it’s like, I think a free throw is the most efficient, depends what player you are, but you know what I’m saying? So I just take what they give me.”

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With Eason, the Rockets’ floor is more predictable and consistent. But with Sheppard, the ceiling feels so much higher. The potential to reach greater heights has to be somewhat enticing for the coaching staff. “Me and Tari have talked to each other, and neither one of us care who starts,” Sheppard said. “It doesn’t matter to us. We just want to win.”

New York Times

A team meeting in Memphis helped the forward re-center, leading to a pair of productive outings and perhaps, a return to form ahead of the postseason. “We got everything out [in the meeting] and understood what expectations are,” Eason said Sunday after the Rockets blew out the Pelicans. He scored 15 points, his most since Feb. 7. “Guys just told me: We need you.”

Houston Chronicle

Şengün hypothesized that Eason’s hot start from three made him forget about the parts of his game that made him a winning player — defense, offensive rebounding — and left him “just standing in the three-point line.” The numbers don’t really back that theory up. Eason’s offensive rebounding percentages were decidedly above average for his position and similar to his career norms even in that 19-game stretch but the shift in mentality, with Eason focusing on making shots above other parts of his game, could have led to downstream issues.

Houston Chronicle

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Every kid has that one “lightning bolt” moment. Which NBA player was the one who really inspired you to start playing? Tari Eason: LeBron. That’s the first memory I have of basketball is coming upstairs to my uncle’s room and watching dude taking off from the free throw line and I’m like, “Who’s that?” And he’s like, “LeBron James.” Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Speaking of generational scorers, what are your thoughts on Kevin Durant and the impact he had on your era growing up? Tari Eason: KD? I knew about him especially when all the kids in the ‘hood had his shoes — his Nike Elite socks went triple, triple TRIPLE platinum with the youth. Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You mentioned that first memory of LeBron. Looking back, what specific games or moments really stood out to you about his game? Tari Eason: Shit! He took off from the free throw line! And I was like, “Who the f*ck is that?” As a kid you really don’t know what’s going on especially at 3. But basketball’s been part of my life. My mom played, so it’s just been something that I have been born to do.

ScoopB.com

‪NBA Stat‬: Tari Eason has missed 21 straight threes over the last 7 games. Over the last 11 games, he has gone 3-for-38 (0.079). #NBA

bsky.app

Shams Charania: Utah Jazz guard Vince Williams Jr. has been diagnosed with a season-ending torn left ACL, sources tell ESPN. Williams sustained the injury in a collision with Tari Eason in Houston on Monday night.

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