HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- Tari Eason took pride in playing all 82 games of his rookie season, so missing 25-of-47 games in his second campaign is really gnawing at him.
"It's been difficult," Eason said Friday. "I'd say mentally, probably more than anything, just dealing with being out and having to watch the guys play and stuff like that. It's been hard, especially because I've never really been in a position like this."
Eason spoke to reporters on Friday for the first time since the team essentially shut him down last month. Friday will be the 17th straight game he's missed due to lower left leg soreness, but a return is near.
"There was some games that I wanted to return already, so it's hard to give you a date, but we're definitely close and sooner rather than later."
Eason taking part in full contact drills this week and played 1-on-1 and 2-on-2. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said Thursday he could return to game action next week.
The Rockets second year forward missed the first six games of the season due to a stress reaction in his left leg. He played in 22-of-25 games after making season debut but popped up on the injury report nearly every game. Udoka said Eason was in more pain than he was letting on.
"It wasn't good," Eason said. "I'm not someone who likes to complain or anything like that, but it just, it wasn't good, I guess I'll say that."
While he's only averaging 9.8 points and 7 rebounds this season, Eason's impact on the Rockets goes well beyond his stat line. They are 12-10 in games he plays and are plus 9.4 points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor. The Rockets are just 10-15 in games where Eason has been unavailable.
