Sixers draft profile: Tari Eason has tantalizing potential originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
A scouting report on NBA draft prospect Tari Eason:
Eason made the AAC All-Freshman Team at Cincinnati, averaging 7.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals in under 20 minutes per game. Eason transferred to LSU for his sophomore season, where he thrived in a higher-usage role, averaging 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks. He was First Team All-SEC and the SEC Sixth Man of the Year.
Strengths
Eason has tantalizing potential to bring both offensive and defensive versatility as a physically strong wing with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. As his block and steal numbers suggest, he’s excellent at creating deflections and could guard one through four at the NBA level with his lateral quickness and ability to shut off driving lanes. He has the Matisse Thybulle-like quickness and closing speed to block three-point shots.
Offensively, he thrives attacking closeouts and getting to the rim in the half court. Opponents were unable to keep him off the free throw line, where he shot 80.3 percent on 5.7 attempts per game. He has impressive body control in the lane and is strong enough to finish through contact. He’s also an explosive leaper in transition and finishes with power above the rim.
The SEC had a wealth of talent this season and Eason still stood out with his size and athletic ability on the wing. He will dunk on people in the NBA.
Weaknesses
Three-point shooting will be the swing skill that determines how much Eason plays right away. He shot 35.9 percent from the three-point line on 2.4 attempts per game last season. The release is funky, but players like Tyrese Haliburton and LaMelo Ball have succeeded with awkward shot mechanics.
Eason was extremely foul-prone, fouling out of six games last season at LSU. He’ll have to learn how to avoid cheap fouls in the NBA.
Fit
If Eason proves he can make corner threes, he’s going to be an instant contributor in the NBA with the potential to be a long-term starter. If the Sixers decide to move on from Thybulle, I could see Eason starting at the three for the Sixers as a rookie. You may think that’s hyperbole, but not a lot of people thought Ziaire Williams or Max Strus would be starting for playoff teams at this time last year.
Eason plays with energy and emotion. He’d be an instant fan favorite in front of the rabid Sixers crowds.
