The Houston Rockets, who have not made the playoffs since 2020, are 28-14 and own the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. They rank as the second-best defensive team and have one of the most complete rosters in the NBA. Most of their success has to do with fourth-year Alperen Sengun, who has received many comparisons to Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Despite this being a high honor, Sengun recently revealed he is not a fan of these comparisons. Instead, Sengun wants fans and analysts to recognize that he is his own player (The Athletic link).
“Yeah, I used to like it. But now I have all my game, you know? Now I have a lot of stuff. I’m using some moves from Jokić. I’m using some moves from Dirk (Nowitzki). All the stuff I’m using, I’m watching people and I’m seeing what I can do. I used to like (the Jokić comparison), but now I have my own [expletive]. Of course they still call me Baby Jokić, but that doesn’t bother me,” Sengun told Sam Amick.
Alperen Sengun Gets Brutally Honest About Comparisons to Nikola Jokic
Alperen Sengun Is One of the NBA’s Brightest Young Stars
The Turkish native is coming off a career year, where he averaged 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Sengun is following that up with another fantastic campaign. Through 42 games, he is averaging 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. More importantly, though, Sengun’s performance is helping the Rockets in what may be their most successful campaign in years.
Recently, head coach Ime Udoka gave Sengun a glowing endorsement, saying “he is like Michael Jordan in Turkey.”
“All the losing they did before I got here, and now we are seeing some success. For the most part, I think he handles it well. According to what my coaches, who worked with him one-on-one during the summer, said, he is like Michael Jordan in Turkey. He faces a lot more when he goes home, so he is used to it now,” Udoka said about Sengun.
Additionally, last year, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal compared Sengun to another Hall of Famer, Pau Gasol. At just 22 years old, the sky is the limit for Sengun and the Rockets.
An All-Star Appearance Could Be Imminent for the Houston Rockets Star
Sengun is putting together a fantastic resume, and it is just a matter of time before the rest of the league takes notice. To this point, Sengun has yet to make an All-Star appearance. However, that could change quickly. The full roster for this year’s All-Star Game is set to be announced on Thursday, January 30. At this point, it is unknown how likely Sengun is to make the team. What we do know, however, is that he earned the sixth-most fan votes in the most recent All-Star voting returns.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić lead their respective conferences in the third fan returns of #NBAAllStar Voting presented by AT&T.
Fans account for 50% of the vote to decide All-Star starters. Players and a media panel account for 25% each. pic.twitter.com/FBGGd00GB2
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 16, 2025
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There are plenty of players who deserve their first All-Star nod this season. All things considered, Sengun is one of those players who fit the bill.
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