It isn’t yet clear when Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management) will return to the court for the Rockets. But when he has played in the 2023-24 NBA season, the second-year forward has left quite an impression, both in Houston and throughout the league.
In a newly released podcast interview, four-time NBA champion and future Hall of Famer Draymond Green was asked by former player Jamal Crawford if there were any younger players that could represent his style of play for the next generation of the league.
The Golden State Warriors star, long regarded for his commitment to defense, team play, and leadership, quickly pointed to Eason.
Here’s how the exchange went:
Crawford: Do you see anybody else who can be the next generation of you, in the league right now?
Green: Tari Eason.
Crawford: You said that quick, you’ve thought about this.
Green: I love that kid, man. … From what I’ve seen from him, he can dribble the ball. He can shoot it okay, but you can get better at that.
Crawford: Crazy motor.
Green: He’s a good athlete. He’s not a crazy, freak athlete, but he’s a good athlete. Great length, great size, rebounds the ball. He’s not soft at all. He’s not backing down from nothing. Does the little things. … Now, you’ve got him in the right situation.
Crawford: He’s the one.
Green: I love his game, and I love what he brings to a team.
Jamal Crawford: So who do you think is the next generation of dog. Like you. Like not exactly you but like you.
Draymond Green: Tari Eason 👇🏾👀 pic.twitter.com/QNxMqBL8mP
— MOMSTER “🫖” (@teroyaeason) February 21, 2024
The complete Crawford-Green interview can be viewed below.
Eason, 22, is averaging 9.8 points (46.6% FG, 36.0% on 3-pointers) and 7.0 rebounds in 21.8 minutes this season, and he’s rapidly become one of the most trusted defenders for head coach Ime Udoka.
