Alperen Sengun agreed to a five-year, $185 million contract extension with Houston Rockets in October 2024, which included a player option in the last year. He has developed into Houston’s two-way focal
point. He set new career highs in a number of statistical categories in 2024–2025, including assists, rebounds, and points, and last season he received his first NBA All-Star selection. Additonally, this summer in Eurobasket, he has appeared sharper, stronger, faster, and more at ease as a lead piece. Sengun’s development as a playmaker and facilitator from the big position, in addition to his growth as a scorer and rebounder, has shown he has what it takes to be a star in this league. Given personnel changes, many fans predict the Rockets will rely more on him to lead the attack. Sengun has shown progress defensively, with more development anticipated in this area. With all of that, assuming everything goes according to plan, Şengün might have a “breakout full stardom” campaign in 2025–2026.
However, what is different for Sengun is that for the first time in his past few seasons, Sengun won’t be the number one threat offensively that teams are gameplanning for because of the offseason acquisition of Kevin Durant. This is seen by the media as well as Sengun is the eighth-best secondary option in the league, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ben Rohrbach. Sengun is in incredible company as the names above him on the list include Jalen Williams, Lebron James, Evan Mobley, Jimmy Butler, Karl Anthony Towns, and De’Aaron Fox, and the argument can be made that after this season, Sengun could become better than some of the players on that list if he is not already. Sengun will benefit greatly from Durant’s presence, as we have heard a lot about. Conversely, though, Sengun’s presence also benefits Durant. Sengun is the best center he has ever played with. Then again, there aren’t many centers who are like Sengun, outside of Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis, who have both made All-NBA teams. In the pick-and-roll action, Durant and Sengun will be difficult to stop because they can play off each other.
Sengun has received praise from former players as well. During a recent discussion about breakout stars and future MVPs, Carmelo Anthony singled out Sengun as his top choice. He claims that Durant has never played with a big man who can pass so well.
“You can use him to carry out your entire offensive strategy. Set up a pick-and-roll, pass the ball to him, and have the defense choose where to assist. That is his unique quality.”
Most fans instantly made a comparison to two-time MVP and Denver Nuggets standout Nikola Jokic. Similar to Jokic, Sengun has unusual intuition for a player of his size. He can spot plays before they happen and make accurate passes that let Houston’s offense get going. Anthony went on to say that Sengun will now have the ideal setting to display the full extent of his abilities since Kevin Durant is in Houston.
He observes, “You can’t double Sengun with KD there.” That makes a huge difference. Durant’s arrival in Houston this offseason could be the turning point in Sengun’s rise to superstardom. Durant’s scoring gravity naturally draws defensive attention, creating passing lanes and mismatches that Sengun can exploit. The early chemistry between the two has already been evident in preseason action, with Sengun’s playmaking. Anthony thinks that collaboration could help the Rockets reach new heights. Anthony says:
“It’s a nightmare when you have a big like Sengun who can punish them with his passing and a guy like KD who demands doubles.”
Durant also gets something he hasn’t often had, thanks to the fit: a real passing big man who can share creation responsibilities. Carmelo notes:
“Durant has never had a center who could read the floor like this.”
Despite drawing attention, Anthony’s statement has some substance. Sengun meets all the requirements for an MVP season with his combination of team impact, statistical performance, and narrative momentum. By the end of the season, Anthony’s projection would not seem so far-fetched if the Rockets can push for the playoffs and he continues on his current track, increasing his efficiency while spearheading the offense. And if Sengun keeps playing with the same composure and originality that have characterized his ascent, this year may be the one when the NBA community discovers what Houston already knows.
The Western Conference is still very competitive, though, and Houston’s young team will need to demonstrate that it can turn potential into victories. One thing is for sure that the Rockets are set for an exciting season this year.
