LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 23: Tari Eason #13 of the LSU Tigers brings the ball up court during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 23, 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Knicks 2022 NBA Draft: No. 11 pick prospect Tari Eason
The New York Knicks are going to use the 2022 NBA Draft to add to their promising young core, and while the majority of their targets at No. 11 won’t fill their biggest hole at point guard (or potentially center if Mitchell Robinson leaves), drafting young, athletic wings with plenty of upside is rarely a bad play.
While there are plenty of names in the upcoming draft that fit that exact mold, arguably none have more upside than LSU small/power forward Tari Eason.
Eason’s draft stock at this point is seemingly a mystery, but if the Knicks want an immediate impact player with plenty of physical tools to fill out the starting lineup, then he could very well be in play at pick No. 11.
How does Tari Eason fit this current New York Knicks squad?
The LSU forward measures in at 6-8, 216 pounds. With such size and athleticism, he can cover either forward spot, similar to current players Obi Toppin and Cam Reddish.
However, it’s former Knick Marcus Morris that Eason has drawn the most comparisons to, and if New York were able to get a younger Morris with more athleticism and potential at No. 11, Leon Rose and Co. should be over the moon.
Like all young players in the draft, Eason isn’t without fault, as consistency and the mental side of the game have plagued his days at LSU. But with coaching from Tom Thibodeau, such weaknesses can always be improved upon.
Despite this, Eason is a natural scorer and he can affect the game significantly on both ends of the floor. Within the young Knicks squad, his versatility and overall game would be perfect in any role.
Will Tari Eason be available when the New York Knicks draft at No. 11?
The 2022 draft figures to be a very unpredictable one, as so many talented, athletic players figure to be drafted anywhere from No. 6 down to No. 15. Eason is no different, with some even predicting he could slide to the early twenties.
Eason is arguably the most unpredictable among all these young prospects, but given a lack of overall polish on his game, there’s a great chance that he could fall to No. 11, and there’s a good chance that he could fall beyond that.
The Knicks will need to wait and see which other prospects remain, as they will have a tough decision on their hands. It will be one that could shape or dramatically change the future of the franchise.
Should the New York Knicks draft Tari Eason if he is available at No. 11?
Eason fits the exact mold of what New York is looking for to build around the young starting lineup that in 2022-23 should feature RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Toppin.
While the Knicks would love to have another young player like Eason on their roster, it wouldn’t be a no-doubt selection if he was available at No. 11, as the concerns around him and the mental aspect of his game are considered genuine.
If another more polished prospect like AJ Griffin, Bennedict Mathurin, or Johnny Davis is on the board when No. 11 comes around, it would be a decision for New York’s front office, but Eason would probably be behind a lot of other names.
Ultimately, he is full of physical talent and potential, but there are question marks that surround him. The Knicks will take this all into consideration, and while he won’t be a lock to New York at No. 11, there’s a chance this could be the pick.
