The Houston Rockets have embarked on a new phase of their rebuilding journey. Following the trade of superstar guard James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021, the Rockets endured a challenging period, finishing with a league-worst record of 56-171 until the end of the 2022-23 season. However, with some significant offseason acquisitions, the franchise accelerated its transition towards becoming a contender in the Western Conference.
Under the guidance of former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets made key signings, including free agents Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, to provide veteran leadership. These additions, combined with the development of their young core consisting of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and 21-year-old center Alperen Sengun, have instilled hope in the franchise’s future.
The Meteoric Rise of Alperen Sengun
Alperen Sengun, who rose to prominence in the Turkish League just four years ago, has rapidly established himself as one of the NBA’s best young big men. His skill set and versatility have garnered praise from his teammates and opponents alike. Fred VanVleet, in particular, believes Sengun is “unguardable” and predicts he will become an All-Star this year.
Sengun’s individual improvement reflects Houston’s overall progress this season. He has set career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game, contributing significantly to the Rockets’ improved performance. Currently, the Rockets hold a 19-21 record, trailing the Los Angeles Lakers by one game for the Western Conference’s final play-in spot.
Offensive Prowess: Sengun’s Calling Card
When the Rockets acquired Sengun with the 16th pick in the 2021 draft by trading two first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder, his scoring ability was highly anticipated. This season, Sengun has lived up to those expectations, averaging points, rebounds, and assists comparable to MVP-caliber players like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Julius Randle.
Sengun’s offensive skill set has propelled him into the All-Star conversation, driven by his consistent effort and determination on the court. The opportunity to play alongside the best players in the league would be a dream come true for the young Turkish center.
While Sengun’s offensive prowess garners attention, the Rockets have recognized the importance of his development as a defender. Although coach Udoka acknowledges that Sengun has occasionally regressed into old habits, there is a focus on his incremental improvement in defensive skills. Dillon Brooks emphasizes the significance of Sengun’s defensive contributions, considering him the backbone of Houston’s defense.
The Rockets have made significant strides defensively as a team, moving from 29th in defensive rating last season to an impressive eighth this year. Furthermore, Sengun’s presence on the court has contributed to a notable improvement in the team’s defensive performance. Last season, the Rockets had a six-point deficit per 100 possessions when Sengun played, but this season, that number has been halved.
Embracing the Challenges
Sengun acknowledges that defense was never a significant focus in his career before joining the NBA. However, he credits the guidance of the coaching staff and the influence of his veteran teammates for pushing him to prioritize defensive growth. Sengun’s upbringing in a small town on the shores of the Black Sea in Turkey exposed him to demanding coaches who instilled a relentless work ethic in him.
Having experienced tough coaching throughout his career, Sengun welcomes the challenges and believes they are essential for his development. Both Ime Udoka and his veteran teammates, such as Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, have consistently pushed him to improve, solidifying his determination to become a well-rounded player.
The Rockets find themselves in a delicate balancing act of pursuing immediate success while nurturing their young talent for the future. Despite bringing in established players like VanVleet and Brooks, Houston’s starting lineup consists of three players under the age of 22. It is a challenging task to compete for a playoff spot while simultaneously focusing on long-term development.
With the midway point of the season approaching, the Rockets have a genuine opportunity to secure a postseason berth, which they haven’t achieved without James Harden since 2009. As the franchise enters the next phase of its rebuild, the emergence of Alperen Sengun as a budding star offers hope for the team’s future success.
The Hunger for Victory
Alperen Sengun’s ambitions align with the Rockets’ resolute drive to win. He emphasizes the team’s collective aversion to losing and the desire to succeed at the highest level. Sengun recognizes that becoming an All-Star and fulfilling his potential require a complete commitment to every aspect of the game, including defense.
As the fanbase eagerly watches the development of Alperen Sengun and the Houston Rockets, the young center’s immense talent and tenacity have instilled a renewed sense of optimism. With the guidance of the coaching staff and the support of his teammates, Sengun has the potential to become a cornerstone for the Rockets’ resurgence and reignite the franchise’s pursuit of championship glory.
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