Alperen Sengun’s Ascent to NBA Stardom
Alperen Sengun’s journey in the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. Since being selected as the 16th overall pick in the 2021 draft, he has transformed from an overlooked talent into one of the league’s most promising centers. Unlike some of his contemporaries who have faded from the spotlight—think Josh Primo and James Bouknight—Sengun has steadily carved out his niche, defying expectations along the way.
Overcoming Early Doubts
Initially, Sengun struggled to secure a starting role, even on a Houston Rockets team that was in desperate need of talent. In a puzzling decision, Bruno Fernando was favored over him for the starting spot. The Rockets were clearly rebuilding, and Sengun’s potential seemed to be stifled. But as the adage goes, talent shines through when given the right opportunities, and that moment arrived in his second season.
During the 2022-23 season, Sengun showcased his skills, averaging 14.8 points, nine rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 55.3 percent from the field. The arrival of Ime Udoka as the Rockets’ head coach marked another turning point. Sengun’s performance improved significantly; he averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and five assists while garnering over one million All-Star votes, despite not making the team.
Making a Mark
Last season was a breakout for Sengun, as he not only made his first All-Star appearance but also posted averages of 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. His resilience was on full display in the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors, where he faced off against Draymond Green, a player often touted as one of the best defenders of all time. Sengun’s playoff stats were impressive: 20.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and he shot 45 percent from the field while hitting 37.5 percent from three-point range.
A New Role and Rising Expectations
As the current season unfolds, Sengun continues to elevate his game. He has taken on a pivotal role within the Rockets’ offense, serving as the lynchpin in halfcourt situations. His numbers reflect this growth: averaging 23.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists—leading the team in the latter two categories. His shooting has also improved, hitting 50 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from beyond the arc on 2.7 attempts per game.
His consistent improvement and adaptability have solidified his status as one of the top players in the league. In a recent discussion on The BS Pod, sports analysts Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe both placed Sengun in the top 15 of their rankings, with Simmons noting, “Alperen Sengun, welcome to the Top 15. I had him 14th,” while Lowe echoed this sentiment, placing him 15th.
Future Prospects
With the potential for an All-NBA selection looming, and the Rockets likely relying more heavily on Sengun as their offensive hub, the future looks bright for this young star. His journey from a draft day afterthought to a rising standout exemplifies how talent, when given the opportunity, can truly shine.
