Alperen Sengun, the Houston Rockets center, is one of the top players in the NBA. This season in particular was outstanding for him as he helped the Rockets reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Sengun had stellar stats this season, averaging 19.1 ppg, 4.9 apg, and 10.3 rpg, the latter of which ranked ninth in the entire NBA. These impressive numbers earned him his first All-Star selection this season.
The Rockets faced the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs this season. This was Sengun’s first playoff appearance, and he did not disappoint. He truly proved his value during the series by rising to the occasion and increasing his production. Sengun averaged 20.9 ppg, 5.3 apg, and 11.9 rpg. He ranked third in RPG, and his 8.9 defensive RPG (DRPG) tied for fourth; he also ranked 11th with 3.0 offensive RPG (ORPG).
These numbers are a solid sign for the Rockets moving forward. They should feel secure knowing that their starting center can turn it on when the moment is biggest. This early playoff experience will serve Sengun well, also, as he is only in his fourth season in the league and looks to continue making playoff appearances.
Moreover, his Game Seven performance should give the Rockets even more confidence in him, looking ahead. He was able to elevate his game to another level during this high-pressure moment, with 21 points, 5 assists, and 14 rebounds. This shows that Sengun’s mentality is next level.
Sengun, from Turkey, was dubbed “The Turkish Terminator” by Shaquille O’Neal for his fierce mentality and utter dominance. He never backs down from a challenge and always expresses himself. He was not even intimidated by Draymond Green’s bold personality during these playoffs.
Sengun has an infectious energy about him that his teammates feed off of. His teammates know that he is not afraid of whatever comes his way, so they feel prepared for every situation.
When it comes to players with high basketball IQs, Sengun is right up there with the best of them. He always makes the right play and limits mental mistakes on the court. He knows when to take control of the game himself, and he also knows when to dish the ball out to others. It is this basketball awareness that separates him from his opponents.
Sengun’s high basketball IQ is comparable to Nikola Jokic’s style of play. Both of them are always looking for ways to gain an edge over the other team. They adapt to the situation and are able to create plays on the fly.
Consistency is another attribute that Sengun possesses. He rarely has a game where he performs poorly, and even if he is having an off game, he can find a way to salvage his performance. His relentless attitude allows him to play at a high level consistently. He is persistent and has a single-minded mindset to contribute to his team positively.
Sengun has had an outstanding start to his NBA career so far. With his extreme confidence and infectious energy, expect him to help the Rockets make deeper playoff runs in the future.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
