Rockets Forward Tari Eason's Shooting Struggles Intensify

Eason's 3-point percentage has plummeted since the All-Star break, raising concerns about his future in Houston.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rockets forward Tari Eason, who turned down a reported $100 million extension offer from the team last summer, has seen his shooting numbers take a nosedive since the All-Star break. After shooting a scorching 46% from 3-point range before the break, Eason's long-range accuracy has plummeted to just 15% post-All-Star. This dramatic decline has led to Eason losing his starting spot, with head coach Ime Udoka opting for a more traditional lineup featuring sophomore guard Reed Sheppard.

Why it matters

Eason's shooting struggles come at a critical time, as the Rockets are preparing for the playoffs and Eason is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. The team has already signed several key players to lucrative extensions, leaving Eason's future in Houston uncertain if he cannot regain his early-season shooting form.

The details

Eason, who had missed significant time due to lower leg injuries earlier in his career, has managed to stay healthy this season, appearing in 48 games. However, his shooting percentages have taken a nosedive since the All-Star break, going from 46% from 3-point range before the break to just 15% after. In February, Eason shot 31.6% from long distance, and in March, that number has dropped to a dismal 8.8%.

  • Eason turned down a reported $100 million extension offer from the Rockets last summer.
  • At the All-Star break, Eason was shooting a scorching 46% from long distance.
  • Since the All-Star break, Eason's 3-point percentage has plummeted to just 15%.
  • In February, Eason shot 31.6% from long distance.
  • In March, Eason's 3-point shooting has dropped to an abysmal 8.8%.

The players

Tari Eason

A fourth-year forward for the Houston Rockets who has struggled with injuries in the past but has managed to stay healthy this season.

Ime Udoka

The head coach of the Houston Rockets, who has removed Eason from the starting lineup in favor of a more traditional lineup featuring sophomore guard Reed Sheppard.

Reed Sheppard

A sophomore guard for the Houston Rockets who has replaced Tari Eason in the starting lineup.

Alperen Sengun

A center for the Houston Rockets who has already signed a lucrative long-term extension with the team.

Jabari Smith Jr.

A forward for the Houston Rockets who has already signed a lucrative long-term extension with the team.

Kevin Durant

A forward for the Houston Rockets who has already signed a lucrative long-term extension with the team.

Amen Thompson

A forward for the Houston Rockets who is expected to receive a long-term extension offer from the team after this summer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must find a way to get Tari back on track with his shooting. He's a key part of our team, and we need him to be at his best as we head into the playoffs.”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach, Houston Rockets

What’s next

The Rockets will have the right to match any contract offer Eason receives this summer, and the team is expected to make a long-term extension offer to forward Amen Thompson after this season.

The takeaway

Tari Eason's dramatic shooting slump since the All-Star break has raised concerns about his future in Houston, as the Rockets have already committed significant long-term money to several key players. Eason's ability to regain his early-season form will be crucial as the team heads into the playoffs and prepares for the offseason.