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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ben DuBose

NBA GM survey: Tari Eason viewed as biggest steal in 2022 draft

With an All-NBA Summer League first-team performance and a sparkling preseason debut (21 points, 69.2 FG% and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes), rookie forward Tari Eason has already made quite an impression on the Houston Rockets and the team’s fans.

It appears the secret is out.

In NBA.com’s annual general manager survey, Eason finished tied for first on the question of biggest steal relative to his draft slot. Eason, drafted at No. 17 in the 2022 first round, came in tied with Detroit’s Jalen Duren, who was selected a few picks earlier at No. 13.

Eason was the only member of the Rockets to finish first (or tied for first) in the GM survey. Other Houston players who received votes included Jabari Smith Jr. for 2022-23 Rookie of the Year; Smith for the best player among the rookie class in five years; and Jalen Green for most likely to have a breakout year this season.

For the survey, NBA general managers responded to 50 questions about the best teams, players, coaches and offseason moves. Respondents were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. The complete survey results can be viewed here.

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