Tari Eason is the best pick the Bulls could make in tonight’s draft

Just hours away from the 2022 NBA Draft, we have officially committed to the Tari Eason hype train. I’d advise you to jump on now before this train leaves the station. While there are still rumors the Chicago Bulls are looking to either trade up in the draft or perhaps package it for a star player like Rudy Gobert, with the way things currently stand it’s hard not to want to see Eason don a Bulls cap by the end of the night.

Here’s what you can expect from Tari Eason with his 2022 NBA Draft Profile.

Physical Measurements

• Age: 21
• Height: 6’6.75″
• Weight: 217 pounds
• Wingspan: 7’2″
• Standing Reach: 8’11.5″

Box Score Statistics

• Points: 16.9
• Rebounds: 6.6
• Assists: 1.0
• Blocks: 1.1
• Steals: 1.9
• Field Goal Percentage: 52.1%
• 3-Point Percentage: 35.9%
• Free Throw Percentage: 80.3%

Strengths

Eason’s main appeal as a prospect is his elite defensive potential. His enormous frame and agility make him a nightmare matchup defensively on both the perimeter and in the post. Unlike many raw prospects, Eason also does not struggle with being over-eager and excessively fouling ball handlers.

The advanced stats heavily favor Eason and seem to indicate he’s a potential top 5 talent from this year’s draft. On top of all this, he’s a capable shooter, plus rebounder, and dynamic lob threat in transition and in the pick and roll. Eason has all the tools necessary to become one of the NBA’s elite two-way wings.

Weaknesses

While he is a dangerous defensive player, the main knock against Eason is due to his limited offensive game. Eason has yet to prove he can consistently create his own shot, as his ball-handling is limited and the ability to finish with his left hand is nearly non-existent. Eason will also likely never be a playmaker in the NBA, as he averaged just 1 assist while turning the ball over 2.2 times per game at LSU.

He also likely slips a few spots here due to the fact he’s already 21 years old. If you were drafting Eason to be a primary option, these would be serious concerns. But if you only need Eason to be a high-end complementary role player like the Bulls would, these issues with his game are much easier to overlook.

Tari Eason would be a slam dunk pick for the Chicago Bulls in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Potential Fit on the Bulls

Considering the Bulls’ biggest areas of need are defensive help — both on the perimeter and interior — and 3-point shooting, Eason would be able to immediately fill a much-need role for Chicago. He’d likely slide in as Patrick Williams’ backup at the power forward slot, but could also log minutes at small forward if the Bulls wanted to run a bigger lineup.

NBA Comparisons

• Scottie Barnes
• Jerami Grant
• OG Anunoby

Should the Bulls Consider Drafting Tari Eason?

I think issues considering Eason’s basketball IQ are way overblown. Sure, he’s raw on the offensive end; but when you watch his tape and his pre-draft interviews, it’s hard to see anything other than a player who wants to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

As the clear best player on LSU’s roster last year, he was still willing to accept a bench role for the perceived good of the team. If the Bulls ask Eason to go out there, hit open shots, and be a defensive specialist, that’s exactly what they’re going to get. It would be a huge blow to the Bulls if Eason is taken before the 18th pick rolls around.

Verdict: Yes, absolutely. If Eason is still on the board at No. 18, he needs to be the pick.

Take a look at look at our other draft profiles for some of the Bulls’ top potential draft day targets:

• E.J. Liddell
• Jalen Williams
• Malaki Branham
• Kendall Brown