Rockets Express Happiness For Tari Eason Following Late Addition To Rising Stars Event

Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. expressed their happiness for teammate Tari Eason, who was a late addition to the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars event.

Houston Rockets rookie Tari Eason was not originally one of the 28 players selected to participate in the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars event in Salt Lake City. But Friday night inside Vivint Arena, Eason will be one of three players representing the Rockets.

"I am happy for Tari," Alperen Sengun said. "I told him when we learned who was going to Rising Stars, to be ready. You never know what's going to happen. When I learned he was coming, I texted him 'what did I tell you?' He's happy. And I am happy."

Eason was a late addition after replacing Detroit Pistons' Jalen Duren due to an ankle injury Thursday afternoon. He was one of the biggest snubs when the NBA released its roster on Jan. 29.

Three nights later, Eason had a career performance to lift the Rockets to a 112-106 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He registered a career-high 20 points and 13 rebounds in the win — a dozen of his boards came on the offensive glass. 

Eason will play alongside teammate Jabari Smith Jr. for Team Joakim [Noah]. 

Sengun will play for Team Deron [Williams]. Sengun would have suited up next to Jalen Green, who had to withdraw from the event due to a hamstring injury. Chicago Bulls' guard Ayo Dosunmu replaced Houston's second-year guard. 

"He was kind of bummed out that he did not get picked," Smith said. "But it is great that he got the chance to still come out here to play in the game. I am happy for him."

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