Alperen Sengun’s All-NBA Ascent and the Influence of Kevin Durant
Alperen Sengun, the Houston Rockets’ dynamic center, is making a compelling case for an All-NBA selection this season. His emergence as the offensive cornerstone for the Rockets has led the team to boast the most potent offense in the league. This season, Sengun has not only showcased his scoring ability but has also significantly improved his outside shooting, connecting on an impressive 41.9 percent of his three-point attempts, albeit with a moderate volume of 3.1 attempts per game.
Impressive Averages and Consistent Growth
Sengun’s season averages highlight his versatility and impact on the court. He is posting 22.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, coupled with two stocks and a commendable 73 percent from the free-throw line. Year after year, he has made strides in virtually every statistical category, demonstrating a commitment to growth. Notably, his ability to draw double teams has become a valuable asset for the team, a rare phenomenon in a league where the attention typically gravitates towards established stars like Kevin Durant.
The Kevin Durant Effect
Sengun attributes much of his success this season to the gravitational pull of Durant’s presence on the court. “KD is one of the best players to ever touch a basketball. He opens so much space for us,” Sengun remarked during a recent road trip to Memphis. This newfound space, he notes, has made his game feel more effortless.
Durant has consciously worked to create opportunities for Sengun, reinforcing the trust he has in the young center’s abilities. “It means a lot that he really trusts me,” Sengun shared. “He always tells me to get the ball, and he’ll go with my decision. When he came here, he didn’t say, ‘This is my team. The offense runs through me.’ He always tells me I have to be great for us to reach our goal. Hearing that from a guy like him means everything.”
A Standout Summer and Adapting to Change
Sengun caught the attention of the basketball world during the EuroBasket tournament this past summer, where he proved himself as one of the premier players globally. His growing reputation did not go unnoticed by Durant, who succinctly summed up Sengun’s potential with a single word on social media, encapsulating the sentiment around the budding star.
The recent injury to Fred VanVleet has necessitated a shift in the Rockets’ offensive strategy, inadvertently benefiting Sengun as he is now positioned to take on an even larger role. With Durant on the roster, defenses face a dilemma, forced to choose how to allocate their attention between two formidable offensive threats. This strategic complexity has only amplified Sengun’s opportunities to shine as he continues to solidify his place among the league’s elite.
