NEW DELHI: Houston Rockets Before Tari Reason is expected to undergo season-ending surgery on his left leg, a decision prompted by a benign growth on his shin which has tormented him since the start of the season. Rockets coach Ime Udoka revealed that Reason tried to manage the pain and continue playing, but his efforts were in vain. Eason hasn’t played since Jan. 1 due to his lingering injury.
Udoka explained the team’s initial approach, saying: “We thought rest and rehabilitation would allow him to recover that way, but every time he accelerated, the pain would immediately return.” Despite efforts to explore non-surgical options, consultations with specialists led to the conclusion that surgery was the best solution. Eason will undergo a bone graft on his tibia, with an expected recovery time of approximately four months.
Udoka explained the team’s initial approach, saying: “We thought rest and rehabilitation would allow him to recover that way, but every time he accelerated, the pain would immediately return.” Despite efforts to explore non-surgical options, consultations with specialists led to the conclusion that surgery was the best solution. Eason will undergo a bone graft on his tibia, with an expected recovery time of approximately four months.
At 23, Eason was a key contributor to the Rockets this season, averaging 9.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in 22 appearances. This is his second season in the NBA after being drafted 17th overall out of LSU in the 2022 draft. As a rookie, he showed promise with averages of 9.3 points and 6.0 rebounds while playing in all 82 games.
News of Eason’s surgery comes ahead of the Rockets’ upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday, adding to the team’s challenges as it navigates the remainder of the season without one of its promising young talents.
(Contributions from Reuters)
