HOUSTON — Playing basketball has always been the center of attention for Tari Eason, a second-year forward with the Rockets. He has admitted that he thinks about it constantly and is always looking for ways to improve and help any team he is playing on get better.
That is why the last three weeks of being unable to compete with his teammates have been frustrating.
When Indiana’s Jalen Smith rolled over on Eason’s leg in the preseason opener, Houston’s young forward suffered a stress reaction in his left lower leg. He was able to compete in the following game, but it was the last action he would see during the preseason. It is the first significant injury he has suffered in his career and very unusual for Eason, who played in all 82 games as a rookie.
“I am looking to be back on the court very soon,” said Eason, who addressed his rehabilitation in a media availability session at Friday’s practice from Toyota Center. “We started getting on the court. We’re ramping up this week. We’re looking to get back soon.”
To keep himself mentally prepared to deal with the injury, Eason used the time to enjoy a gift his teammate Fred VanVleet had given him before the beginning of this year’s training camp.
“I read a book that Fred gave us,” Eason said when asked what he did to keep himself occupied. “It’s called ‘Chop Wood, Carry Water.’ It’s about falling in love with the process. That’s all I’m doing, falling in love with the process, knowing that regardless of this injury, it’s an opportunity for other things, good things to come out of it.”
Eason averaged 9.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last season, which was good enough to earn him NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. The Rockets still need his tenacity, as they have begun the season with a 1-3 record, mainly due to the lack of bench production.
“I definitely think I can help us from a rebounding standpoint,” Eason said about how he can help once he returns. “Playing a little faster while helping the second unit on transition defense.”
