NBA World Reacts to Kevin Durant's Message to Jayson Tatum 3 Dec 27, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) greets Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) following the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

'A Chip on Your Shoulder Isn’t Necessarily a Bad Thing' – Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant Sends Warning After Teammate’s ESPN Top 100 Snub

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 1:09 PM ET

ESPN recently released its Top 100 list ahead of the 2025-26 season, which had four Houston Rockets players. Kevin Durant was ninth, and Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson , and Jabari Smith Jr. are No. 25, 37, and 74, respectively.

During a recent media session, Durant shared his thoughts on the list. The new Houston Rockets star pointed out that Tari Eason was snubbed, which could serve as motivation for the young forward.

“A lot of people don’t watch basketball that in-depth. And Tari is one of those players who you have to sit and watch to truly understand what he brings to the table. But I think people in real basketball circles, who value the game and understand the game, they know what he brings to the table,” Durant said about Eason via Michael Shapiro of Chron.

Nov 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“I think he’s going to have a great year. Somebody who’s excited to come out here and showcase what he can do. A chip on your shoulder is not necessarily a bad thing, especially at this age. He wants to prove that he’s an established player in this league, and that’s always good,” he added.

Houston Rockets News: Tari Eason projected to get $110 million extension by analyst

The 2025-26 campaign is a crucial season for Tari Eason, as he’s in the final year of his rookie contract with the Houston Rockets. According to Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, Eason could fetch up to $110 million in his next contract for up to five years.

Nov 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) reacts after scoring a basket during the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“Part of a focus on the future could include a commitment to Tari Eason, who’s already established himself as one of the best forward defenders in the NBA,” Bailey wrote about Eason. “Over the course of his three seasons, the Rockets are plus-1.6 points per 100 possessions with Eason on the floor and minus-4.4 when he’s off.”

Eason is coming off his best season to date, having averaged 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.7 steals on 48.7 percent shooting from the field across 57 regular season appearances.