Alperen Sengun stuns NBA as “Baby Jokic” with elite skills and surprising 3-point prowess

Alperen Sengun emerges as “Baby Jokic” with impressive skills and 3-point shooting

The emergence of a nickname often signals an athlete’s arrival in the competitive world of sports. While not every player earns one, those who do often find themselves categorized by varying degrees of coolness. Take, for instance, “Half Man, Half Amazing” versus “Round Mound of Rebound.” In the case of Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, the moniker “Baby Jokic” reflects his uncanny resemblance to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.

Parallels with Jokic’s Game

While it’s essential to temper expectations and recognize that Sengun is unlikely to achieve the monumental accolades of three MVP awards or a Finals MVP—achievements that are rare even for the most elite players—his game does share significant similarities with Jokic. This season, Sengun has stepped into a pivotal role for the Rockets, mirroring Jokic’s influence in orchestrating the offense for his team.

However, Sengun has faced challenges recently, with his scoring dipping in the last three games. He managed just 16 points on 18 shots against the Golden State Warriors, followed by 18 points on 14 attempts against the Phoenix Suns. In a matchup against Jokic and the Nuggets, he scored 14 points on an equal number of shots. Despite this recent downturn, there is a palpable recognition among players and analysts alike regarding Sengun’s potential.

Skill and Craftiness on Display

In a discussion on the Kevin O’Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh of Yahoo Sports highlighted Sengun’s impressive skill set and his ability to navigate defenses effectively. “He’s so skilled. He’s so tough. And how many times is he gonna run the offense in crunch time and get to the cup at will?” Haberstroh noted, emphasizing Sengun’s knack for finding ways to score against multiple defenders.

His ability to initiate plays from half-court and consistently create open looks at the rim showcases a level of craftiness reminiscent of Jokic. “You watch the film and you’re like this guy is Baby Jokic. His finishing. His passing. He’s got eyes on the back of his head,” Haberstroh continued. The parallels drawn between the two players are not just coincidental; they highlight Sengun’s unique vision and understanding of the game.

A Surprising Threat from Beyond the Arc

Another surprising element of Sengun’s game this season has been his development as a 3-point shooter. While calling him elite might be an understatement given his shooting percentage of 40.4 percent from beyond the arc, it’s crucial to consider the volume of shots taken—averaging only 2.9 attempts per game. In contrast, Jokic is connecting on 43.4 percent of his 3-point attempts, but he does so with nearly five attempts per game.

Despite the lower volume, Sengun’s trajectory suggests he is on pace to become a more significant threat from the perimeter. As he continues to refine this aspect of his game, the Rockets and their fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how his skills evolve in the coming games.