Korkmaz’s Bold Praise for Sengun’s Skillset
Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Furkan Korkmaz made waves during a recent interview at the EuroBasket Tournament, where he declared that Alperen Sengun, the current center for the Houston Rockets and Korkmaz’s teammate on the Turkey men’s national basketball team, is the best center he has ever played with. This statement is particularly striking given Korkmaz’s seven seasons alongside Joel Embiid, a seven-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA recipient, two-time scoring champion, and the 2022-23 NBA MVP.
The Contrast Between Two Centers
While Embiid’s accolades paint the picture of a dominant force in the NBA, Sengun’s resume pales in comparison, featuring just one All-Star appearance. Yet, Korkmaz’s endorsement of Sengun raises eyebrows. “Until now, I thought Joel Embiid was the best big man I played with,” Korkmaz remarked. “But it’s Alperen Şengün now. Defensively and offensively, I think he’s a special kid.”
These words carry weight, especially considering Korkmaz’s history with the 76ers. His transition from a noted player on a championship-aspiring team to someone who now extols the virtues of a young, rising star can hint at deeper currents within the organization.
Implications of Korkmaz’s Comments
Korkmaz’s admiration for Sengun could be interpreted as more than just a compliment to his national teammate. It’s worth noting that Korkmaz had previously requested trades multiple times during his tenure with the 76ers. This backdrop invites speculation about a potential rift between him and the Philadelphia organization.
Sengun’s Impressive EuroBasket Performance
During the EuroBasket Tournament, Sengun has been nothing short of impressive. He’s averaging 21.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game across seven appearances. His shooting percentages also speak volumes: 59 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from three-point range. Such performances not only highlight Sengun’s talents but also reinforce Korkmaz’s claims about his capabilities.
Korkmaz’s comments might be seen as a mere expression of respect for a fellow player, yet they resonate with the complexities of his own professional journey. In the world of basketball, where loyalty and rivalry often intertwine, Korkmaz’s words could signal a shift in allegiances and perspectives, both personally and within the larger framework of the NBA.
