We’re just about a week and a half out from the 2022 NBA draft, and analysts are beginning to lock in their final projections for the first round and lottery, especially.
In the latest mock draft from CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish, there is a bit of a departure from the consensus at the top, as he has Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren going first overall instead of the current favorite, Auburn’s Jabari Smith.
However, LSU fans are likely most interested in where he has star sophomore forward [autotag]Tari Eason[/autotag] heading. Though he mostly came off the bench for the Tigers this year, he was one of the most dominating players in the SEC and the entire country.
He’s seen as a first-round pick with some projections showing him as a lottery pick. Parrish isn’t quite so optimistic, and he has Eason falling to the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 23.
Eason was a breakout star at LSU after transferring following a so-so first season at Cincinnati. He’s a versatile frontcourt option who can guard multiple positions and punish defenses in transition opportunities.
The 76ers are a team still looking to get over the hump after an exit in the Eastern Conference Semifinals this season. Adding a physical wing player like Eason who can also be a factor on offense would be a nice boost, though Eason and Tigers fans would like to see the standout go off the board earlier in the night.
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