Alperen Sengun, a centre for the Houston Rockets, is having a fantastic third season. He is shooting 53.7% from the field overall and averaging 21.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Sengun spent a large portion of the season squarely in the conversation among Western Conference centres for an All-Star selection, thanks to the Rockets’ early-season dominance. However, the excitement surrounding Sengun seemed to be waning as a result of some recent setbacks. The big man altered that on March 5 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Sengun outperformed rookie centre Victor Wembanyama, who is said to be the league’s most exciting prospect ever, scoring 45 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and five steals in just one game. Sengun tormented the 7’5 Wembanyama in single coverage, scoring over him with a variety of fakes and jump hooks as he used his muscle and footwork to force the San Antonio big man deep beneath the basket. Sengun scored 23 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, and dished out 14 assists against the Los Angeles Clippers the following night to cap off the performance on national television.
The Sengun discussion is still very important. The Rockets are likely out of the play-in picture at 28-35 after a rapid collapse, having only won 4-6 of their last 10 games. A season that started out so promisingly is probably going to finish in disappointment because there is still no apparent path for the franchise’s future. Sengun, along with Jalen Green, another third-year prospect, is qualified for a contract extension from the Rockets this summer.
Sengun’s output and statistics are indisputable. Of the “Core 6” prospects on the squad, he has been by far the greatest and most consistent prospect for the Rockets. Houston’s offensive identity has been him. However, a squad with Sengun at centre will have to give up on defence in some situations. To relieve Sengun of the responsibility of protecting Wembanyama against the Spurs, small forward Dillon Brooks assumed the role. Sengun has been buried on inferior offensive players by Rockets head coach Ime Udoka during some games against mobile big men this season.
The Rockets’ defence has consistently ranked among the top 10 in the NBA, despite the additional schematic strain. As of right now, their defensive rating is eighth. The outcomes raise the question: is there any longer any justification for the team not to centre its whole attacking lineup around its best player if the end product is still an excellent defence?
It’s no secret that this past offseason, the Rockets brass pursued veteran centre Brook Lopez in free agency. Sengun would have been benched in favour of the Bucks centre, who would have likely been recruited to start at centre. Sengun was once again the starting lineup by default when Lopez abandoned Houston. This summer, who will get the huge contract offer—Sengun or someone else?
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