Bryant West joined me for yet another episode to dive into 2022 NBA Draft Prospects Tari Eason and Jalen Duren. At least, that was all we had planned until the list of who will be interviewing for the Sacramento Kings head coach vacancy dropped mid-recording.
You can witness (on YouTube) and/or hear our live reactions to all of the names that were listed, with one in particular who stood out above the rest. Want to try and guess which name caused to Bryant react in the hilarious way he did (0:32 mark in the clip below)? It’s an amazing live reaction to have on camera. I’m still figuring out the best way to turn it into a versatile meme on Kings’ Twitter. Any advice with that is more than welcome.
🚨 NEW EPISODE 🚨
🔘Special Guest: @BSWest5
🔘Could Tari Eason be the ideal frontcourt partner for Sabonis?
🔘Jalen Duren's upside leads to BPA vs fit talk
🔘Live reactions to the coaching search updates
🔘Which coaching names are intriguing/concerning?https://t.co/2FSfYSXf2k pic.twitter.com/orVHCH72tb— Kings Pulse (@Kings_Pulse) April 23, 2022
We spent a good amount of time live-reacting to the released list of pending interviewees that included Mark Jackson, Steve Clifford, Mike D’Antoni, Mike Brown, Charles Lee, Darvin Ham, and Will Hardy. What happened to the potential of Kenny Atkinson?
While that news somewhat stole the show today, we did spend a significant amount of time before that happened diving into LSU’s Tari Eason, who was a late riser in the 2022 Draft class and could end up being someone the Kings strongly consider at pick seven or further.
Is there a world where Eason is the ideal complementary frontcourt partner of the future to play alongside Domantas Sabonis. We attempt to present that argument that revolves around the 6’8″ LSU’s forward’s defensive playmaking potential paired with intriguing tools that could allow Eason to eventually become a third or fourth option on offense? What risk would be involved with Eason? Are they really going to interview Mark Jackson? What do we think the likelihood of Tari Eason being a bust is? How wide is his expected draft range?
The second prospect we chose to pair with Eason this week was Jalen Duren from Memphis — draft crush of the great Will Griffith. We explained why Duren, who very well may end up being the youngest player drafted in the first round, pops off the screen with his various forms of athleticism and the upside he possesses.
What sort of role do we think will be optimal for the 6’11” Memphis product at the NBA level? What skill(s) needs to develop if he is ever going to reach “star” status? And, of course, is there really any world where Duren and Sabonis make any sense together.
No matter, after Sacramento’s front office, led by Monte McNair and Wes Wilcox shocked the NBA world by taking Davion Mitchell at pick nine in 2021 I refuse to let myself be underresearched on a top prospect simply due to what I view to be a (very very very) questionable fit.
As always, thank you to every single person who consumes the Kings Pulse podcast either in video or audio form. Any feedback, thoughts, topic requests or opinions are more than welcome as we get further and further into what is almost guaranteed to be a wild, yet entertaining, offseason for the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings Pulse podcast is available on all major listening platforms as well as in video form on YouTube.
Subscribe: iTunes | Spotify | YouTube
Eason is #6 on by board, right behind Murray, and I feel one of them, if not both, will be there at #7. I really hope he comes in for a workout.
Eason is a player that seems to make sense for the Kings. To the point that I am sure I’m missing something that makes him a late lottery pick and a reach at 7. His college career compares favorably to Patrick Williams and OG Anunoby. Players like Mathurin or Sharpe may have upsides that are better but the Kings are in dire need of 6’8″+ athletic forwards.
I think this a pretty rosy take on Eason and, while you discuss it, I think really understates his decision making issues on both ends of the floor. I absolutely do not see it as just a system or age issue. It’s pervasive and can be seen in pretty much every aspect of the game. As such, I think he’s a pretty low floor guy despite his physical gifts.
I’ve not seen him listed higher than tenth, and the Ringer doesn’t even have him in the lottery. Opinions seem to be all over the place for both him and Jeremy Sochan. I’d guess that both can play 3/4, and I wouldn’t be mad either way.
I’d imagine that if the Kings don’t scootch up a spot or two, Keegan Murray would probably be gone.
I saw the entire game film for the one you recommended (I think). January 19 against Alabama? Watching him play is an entirely different story from the highlights. I suppose I’ll start with the good. His shot was falling and, as you stated, the high free throw percentage is a good indicator of future shooting accuracy. He’s good driving right. On defense, he is gifted with his long arms to make plays. I see the talent, and I think he would be better used, like you said, as a 3 and D player, on the wing, partly because he’s pretty bad as a high post guy and/or screener. Now for the bad. ooh boy. definitely the most confused guy on the court. At the beginning of the game, a teammate had to push him out towards the opponent he should have been guarding. Another teammate stared him down for 5 seconds after he inexplicably moved to a weird spot after his teammate drew a double team, leaving him open on the wing, and the ball was passed out of bounds. He sort of plays like he’s high on something. A lot of turnovers. Him bringing the ball up the court usually led to a turnover. Him driving to his left usually led to a turnover after he picks up his dribble, turns to look where to pass, switches ball to his right and offers it for the opponent to pick. Passing accuracy was bad. There were a strange couple of possessions at about the 10:35 mark in the 2nd half, right after he tripped over his own feet trying to get back on defense where he just stopped playing, didn’t close out on a shooter, then walked up the court so that you never really saw him enter the screen, and the point guard is waving him up, trying to tell him to join the team because they were all playing offense. I thought the and 1 driving right in the first half should have been a flagrant on Tari, possibly an ejection. the Alabama guy might need neck surgery after that one. First the strong elbow push off in the obliques, then a cross to the face with his right elbow. He’s also a lazy defender who relies on his long arms more than technique, and I suppose that might be reflected in his high foul rate. His motor does not appear great either. Overall, I found it enjoyable to watch his highlights but painful to watch him the entire game. Definitely a project, and possibly a fun one with a later pick.
I keep hearing a recurring theme that McNair not doing what is expected is a bigger concern than whether or not the move was the right one to make. Also found it weird that Davion was discussed as a player who, when drafted, was unable to make an immediate impact. I’d consider his on-ball defense, easily the best in Sacramento, and arguably among the top five in the NBA, a sizable and important impact. I may have that wrong, as I’m not clear as to whether that was your thought at the time, or if that’s still your position on the selection.
Anyway, Mitchell seems to be shaping up pretty nicely.
Another guy who is rising on draft boards is Malaki Branham. He brings the outside shot of AJ Griffin with impressive ability to score in other ways. Good size for 2/3 wing. Could be the best shooter in the draft. Sound decision maker. Can I make a Kris Middleton comp? I’m ranking him over a couple guys I’ve previously mentioned (Sochan and Jovic). As of now Branham and Daniels are in my top 7.
Badge Legend