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Rockets Cornerstone’s All-Star Era Blasts Off

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Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is among the most skilled active players. In fact, he’s one of the best big men that the league has ever seen.

With footwork that would make Fred Flintstone flush or a ballerina blush, he’s a terror in the phone booth. Ironically, he might not be able to jump over a stack of phone books. It just doesn’t seem to hold him back much, if at all. Not only is Sengun’s touch excellent in the post, he can nail long jumpers.

His European flavor might not be everyone’s taste. People are entitled to their own opinions. However, he’s a riveting player, relying not on feats of absurd athleticism but technical expertise. This extends beyond his scoring ability, as he’s more than capable of making flashy but effective passes.

Rockets Cornerstone Alperen Sengun’s All-Star Era Blasts Off

Sengun’s dynamic skillset and his desire to be great has allowed him to be a cornerstone for the up-and-coming Rockets, who are second in the Western Conference standings. It’s no wonder that at 22 years young, the talented Turk was just named to his first All-Star Game.

In 2024-25, he’s averaging 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, shooting 49.1 percent from the field. On post-ups, he’s scoring 1.07 points per possession, on 55.1 percent shooting from the field. He no longer wants to be compared to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP. However, for reference, Jokic is scoring 1.08 points per possession on post-ups, shooting 56.3 percent from the field.

At the defensive end, he’s recorded 2.1 stocks (steals + blocks) per game. He’s holding opponents to 47.1 percent shooting from the field, tied with Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid for the best mark among centers. He also has 118 deflections, just two fewer than San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, the favorite to win the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year award.

Following the Rockets’ battle against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night, Sengun spoke to TNT reporter Taylor Rooks about the honor.

“It’s amazing,” Sengun says. “You know, it was one of my dreams. One of my goals came true. It just feels amazing.”

Hall Of Fame Trajectory?

In earning All-Star honors, Sengun joins a legendary list of former Rockets centers: Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dwight Howard, and Yao Ming. Hayes, Malone, Olajuwon, and Ming have all been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Though he hasn’t officially retired, Howard is among the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 nominees.

Just because each of the Rockets’  other All-Star centers were able to reach the Hall of Fame doesn’t mean that Sengun will. However, it’s a good sign that the best is yet to come.

© Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The post Rockets Cornerstone’s All-Star Era Blasts Off appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.