2022 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Tari Eason

A look at his strengths, weaknesses and what to expect

David Sajdak

Jun 14, 2022

Strengths:

athleticism
defensive playmaking
defensive versatility
scoring
rim pressure/foul-drawing
transition

Weaknesses:

loose handle
decision-making/shot-selection
foul trouble

Tari Eason is yet another sophomore player to break out this year, seeing a jump in production somewhat similar to that of Jaden Ivey, Keegan Murray, and Johnny Davis. Eason joined a much improved defensive side in LSU following a transfer from Cincinnati. Serving as both the Tigers’ 6th man and best player, Eason offered a unique blend of shooting and pure athleticism, allowing him to get buckets in bunches. Standing at 6-8 with a 7-2 wingspan and great hands, Eason is a fantastic defensive playmaker, poking balls loose and leading LSU in transition where he generated 1.339 PPP according to Synergy (90th percentile). Eason was much improved as a spot-up shooter and from the free-throw line, where he shot 35.9% (2.4 attempts per game, 0.214 3PAR) and 80.3% (5.7 attempts per game, 0.515 FTR) respectfully. To get to the line, Eason was occasionally able to generate offense from a standstill, taking advantage of his athleticism and stringing together a dribble combo to get all the way to the rim. Generally, though, his handle is very loose and he frequently loses or bobbles the ball, leading to some preventable turnovers. Eason can also struggle with decision-making at times, throwing up some unadvised shots and taking too long to make a decision/pass.

On the defensive end, Eason can cover a lot of ground and is a very switchable defender, both skills that paid off big time in LSU’s off-ball switching and press-heavy scheme. As discussed earlier, Eason is a great defensive playmaker and he racks up a LOT of steals and blocks, though he struggles with defensive discipline, often getting into foul trouble (6.4 fouls per 100 possessions) and disturbing his rhythm.