Career Overview and Background
Alperen Sengun was drafted 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2021 after being selected through a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Prior to entering the NBA, he established himself as a dominant force in Turkish basketball, earning MVP honors in the BSL (Turkish Basketball League) in 2021. During that season, he posted impressive averages of 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 29 games.
Since joining the Rockets, Sengun has developed into a cornerstone player for the franchise. Over his five seasons with Houston, he has appeared in 309 regular-season games, averaging 16.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. His consistent improvement and expanding skill set have made him one of the most promising young centers in professional basketball.
2025-26 Season Excellence
The 2025-26 season represents a significant leap forward for Sengun's career. His scoring average of 23.0 points per game marks a substantial increase from his career average, while his 7.0 assists per game demonstrates his evolution as a facilitator. This season, Sengun has recorded his fifth consecutive double-double and has achieved 14 double-doubles overall, establishing himself as a top-30 NBA performer.
Sengun's versatility is evident in his performance against various opponents. Against Oklahoma City, he posted a remarkable 39 points with 11 rebounds and 7 assists, while against Orlando he contributed 30 points and 12 rebounds. These performances underscore his ability to dominate games and adapt to different defensive schemes, making him a crucial asset for the Rockets' playoff aspirations.
Impact on the Houston Rockets
Sengun's exceptional play has been instrumental in the Rockets' competitive positioning this season. His offensive rating of 122.5 and net rating of 9.4 indicate that Houston performs significantly better when he is on the court. The combination of his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking creates a unique dynamic that few centers in the league can replicate.
As the Rockets continue their season, Sengun's performance will be critical to their success. His ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates while maintaining efficient scoring makes him a complete player who can thrive in various offensive systems. With his current trajectory, Sengun is poised to become one of the NBA's elite centers and a franchise cornerstone for years to come.