A simple formality for the GM of the franchise, Rafael Stone. The Rockets announced that they had activated their options on the fourth years of the contracts of Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, and the third years of those of Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore.
The decision is logical as the four players are already well established in Ime Udoka's rotations, and expected to play an important role for the future of the team. But this announcement undoubtedly has more value for one of the four players in question: Tari Eason.
Hit in the leg, the replacement winger/power forward had to undergo surgery last spring, which forced him to only take part in 22 matches with his team. A real challenge for him who had played his entire rookie season and was invited into the second five of the best rookies.
“ I'm very happy about that. I love this group, I love this city, I love this team. To have the opportunity to continue to be involved with these guys is truly a blessing. I am very happy “, he repeats to the Houston Chronicleclearly seeming relieved by the activation of this option.
His seriousness spoke
“ Missing all this time means asking a lot of questions, wondering what is going on. First big operation for me, first injury, that leaves a lot of question marks. But I think they saw how serious I was about my work when I came back and how ready and eager I was to get back with the team », Continues the 17th choice of the 2022 Draft.
Even today, the Rockets remain cautious with his playing time, to avoid the slightest risk of relapse. “ They always pay attention to my workload. At the same time they know I have to play », Reports Tari Eason, whose playing time increases game after game.
Last night in the victory in Dallas, he benefited from 19 minutes to sign his best production of his season: 15 points on 6/10 shooting, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. “ That's what he does every night. He made the difference in defense and was as usual omnipresent near the circle in attack “, greeted Ime Udoka at the end of this meeting.
| Tari Eason | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | HOU | 82 | 22 | 44.8 | 34.3 | 75.2 | 2.4 | 3.7 | 6.0 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 9.3 |
| 2023-24 | HOU | 22 | 22 | 46.6 | 36.0 | 63.6 | 2.1 | 4.9 | 7.0 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 9.8 |
| 2024-25 | HOU | 5 | 18 | 54.8 | 36.4 | 80.0 | 1.4 | 2.2 | 3.6 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 8.4 |
| Total | 109 | 21 | 45.6 | 34.8 | 73.2 | 2.3 | 3.8 | 6.1 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 9.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
