Rockets’ serious player likely done for season with Grade 3 ankle sprain

Sengun was taken away in a wheelchair versus the Kings. The Rockets are grateful that the budding NBA star did not suffer a catastrophic injury.

Sengun is averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists this season. He shoots 53.7% from the field, 29.7% from beyond the arc, and 69.3% from the free-throw line.

Sengun has no reason to play again this season because the Rockets will not qualify for the play-in event.

This summer, Houston can sign Sengun to a rookie-scale contract extension. All signs point to that happening.

Sengun’s career averages include 14.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He was selected 16th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.

During an interview with NBA reporter Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was asked to discuss Sengun. Udoka, as expected, has liked coaching Sengun.

“It’s been great,” Udoka added. “I mean, I’ve had a lot of high-scoring players in the past. I worked with Joel Embiid, Tim Duncan, and LaMarcus Aldridge. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to coach or play alongside a number of low-post scorers. However, in terms of overall game and where he may be placed on the floor, Joel is the only other player who comes close. Despite this, Joel is not as good a passer as Alperen is — or was when I had him; he has improved in that area.

“But, yeah, he’s incredibly unique, and it’s a luxury to have a guy like him that you can move about the court and do a variety of things with. Once his shooting improves, he and the team will have more opportunities on the field. The issue is (Şengün) recognising and adjusting to how teams are pursuing him. He had a good start, and there aren’t many post scorers in the league, so teams have been focused on taking him out and forcing us to show it from three points. It’s really about how he adjusts and how we place him in better positions, as well as growing and adjusting to his success so far this year.”