As Dillon Brooks exits, Tari Eason could seize larger role in Houston
'They love Tari Eason there,' ESPN's Brian Windhorst said after the Kevin Durant trade. 'He can be the guy that replaces Dillon Brooks as that key defender.'
The Rockets finished the 2024-25 season with a 52-30 record and at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings, so the blueprint of that group is worth following as Houston turns its attention to 2025-26.
After this week's blockbuster trade, All-Star and former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevin Durant will replace Jalen Green as the leading scorer, so that swap should clearly be beneficial to Houston's 2025-26 odds.
But what about losing veteran Dillon Brooks, a key defender who shot nearly 40% on 3-pointers last season? That's where fourth-year forward Tari Eason could play an important role.
'They love Tari Eason there,' ESPN's Brian Windhorst said. 'He can be the guy that replaces Dillon Brooks as that key defender.'
After being drafted in the 2022 first round, Eason's development was somewhat paused in his second and third seasons due to ongoing issues related to a stress reaction in his lower left leg. He played just 22 games as a sophomore and was unavailable for most back-to-backs during the next season, which limited the 6-foot-8 forward to a total of 57 contests at 24.9 minutes per game.
But in 2025-26, two years removed from the stress reaction, the expectation is for Eason to have no restrictions. In addition, the LSU product could have every financial incentive to play well, since his rookie-scale contract will expire after next season (and it's unclear if he will receive a contract extension this offseason).
At 24 years old, Eason should be entering his prime NBA years, and the absence of Brooks should give him an opportunity to step into an even larger role. It's up to him to take advantage.
In three NBA seasons to date, Eason has averaged 10.3 points (46.6% FG, 34.5% on 3-pointers), 6.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 22.8 minutes. With a long wingspan, relentless motor, and a keen eye for playmaking, Eason remains one of Houston's most active, versatile, and tenacious defenders, and head coach Ime Udoka will likely need to ask even more from him during the 2025-26 campaign.
More: Rockets reportedly open to contract talks with Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr.
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