Detroit Pistons forward Jalen Duren and Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason were voted as the biggest draft steals in the annual survey of NBA general managers released on Tuesday.
The executives voted on a total of 50 questions, including three regarding the incoming rookie class. They voted on several other categories, from the NBA MVP to the Sixth Man of the Year, and could not vote for their own players or team personnel.
The Pistons selected Duren with the 13th pick in the draft from Memphis. He was considered by some to be a high lottery pick before falling to the Pistons. He was tied for the most votes with Eason, who was taken four picks after him.
Which rookie was the biggest steal where he was selected in the draft?
- Jalen Duren (13), Detroit – 14%
- Tari Eason (17), Houston – 14%
- A.J. Griffin (16), Atlanta – 10%
- Shaedon Sharpe (7), Portland – 10%
- Jaden Ivey (5), Detroit – 7%
- Keegan Murray (4), Sacramento – 7%
- Jalen Williams (12), Oklahoma City – 7%
Duren had a strong run in the Las Vegas Summer League before the Pistons shut him down after three games. He finished averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds two assists and one blocked shot on 65% shooting from the field. He had his best game on July 9 with 13 points and six rebounds.
Eason was named to the all-summer league first team after averaging 17.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.6 assists and one blocked shot in five games. He led all players in rebounding and double-doubles (4) from Las Vegas.
The two players, along with the rest of the top vote-getters, appear to be poised to have strong first seasons in the NBA with their respective teams. It will be fun to look back at the voting results after the season and see which individuals outperformed their draft positions.
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