Which rookie is the “steal” of this Draft? The question had been put to the GMs of the league and the name of Tari Eason emerged in the lead, at 14%. His performances in pre-season tend to prove them right. After his 21 points and 10 rebounds against the Spurs, the interior has just chained an exit to 24 points and 8 rebounds in 25 minutes, this night against the Raptors.
What already impress John Lucas, one of the assistants of Stephen Silas. From last night’s game, he remembers in particular an action where the strong winger missed a 3-point shot, a brick, recovered his ball and put it back in near the circle. ” It was an important moment for us. I was shaking it at first because it looks like he’s dizzy, but he’s really into it. He didn’t miss any free throws (6/6). He really worked on his shooting. He can play in several positions », describes the technician.
The latter, despite this tiny glimpse of the 17th choice of the last Draft, already dares a comparison: Dennis Rodman. The parallel with the former Bulls legend can make sense insofar as the 21-year-old impresses with his energy close to the circle and his ability to collect rebounds, on both sides of the field. ” He dominates the offensive rebound, he runs, intercepts balls. I found it good on (Pascal) Siakam », enumerates the assistant.
” I think it has to do with playing hard. When you play hard good things happen “, remarks the best scorer of his team this night. Before adding: I don’t really pay attention to other people. I do what I can to help my team win. »
One of the worst rebounding teams
A welcome activity for the Texans who suffered a lot in terms of rebound last year. With 42 catches per game, they were simply the worst team in the league at that. ” We were one of the worst teams in terms of defensive rebound. It’s because a lot of guys were pushing us around and getting a lot of offensive rebounds “recalls Kevin Porter Jr. according to whom the Rockets want to bring this dimension, from winning the fights to the rebounds, to their identity.
” It’s a dog. He gives us a lot of energy offensively and defensively. This is going to be super important for our team at the start of the season. “Judge Jalen Green who therefore imagines his teammate making his place in the rotation, where Jabari Smith Jr. and Usman Garuba are expected in the same position, to compensate for the departure of Christian Wood.
From there to already compare him to Dennis Rodman? ” It’s a very, very big honor to be compared to a legend, a Hall of Famer, someone like Dennis Rodman. We both have a sense of rebound, defend and bring a lot of energy. Every time your name comes up next to someone like him, it’s super, super special “, Appreciates the young man.
