(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
A couple of years ago, the Houston Rockets planned for Jalen Green to be their star player, but plans have to change all the time in this league.
Now, Alperen Sengun is looking like their best player and building block, and he’s certainly playing up to that level.
That’s been more than evident in his past five games, as pointed out by NBACentral.
Alperen Şengün over his last 5 games:
30 PTS – 13 REB – 5 AST
23 PTS – 10 REB – 5 AST
23 PTS – 8 REB – 4 AST
23 PTS – 8 REB – 5 AST
24 PTS – 8 REB – 3 AST pic.twitter.com/QMN67KGZhT
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 21, 2023
Sengun entered the league with an intriguing upside.
He drew comparisons to Nikola Jokic, and while his playmaking isn’t on the same level yet — and probably never will — we’re starting to see the potential there.
He can put the rock on the floor and create for others, and he’s adding more range to his offense to become a legitimate threat from all three levels.
Sengun has also made big strides to become a better rim protector, even if he still struggles to defend in the pick-and-roll.
Jokic didn’t become the superstar he is today overnight; it took him a while.
And perhaps we’re getting too carried away right now and Sengun is never going to be as good as he is.
But judging by his current level, it’s hard not to draw some parallels between the Turkish big man and his Serbian predecessor.
The Rockets are still a ways away from being a legitimate contender, but they’ve found their most important player and building block, and that puts them right on track.
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