Heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, there was chatter that the Houston Rockets could have a trio of All-Stars, comprised of Amen Thompson, the newly-acquired Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.
The first
half of the season is over and the All-Star rosters are set.
It’s official.
Unless a player declines, due to injury, which we see all the time.
The Rockets have one All-Star. Just Durant.
His placement isn’t a debate.
Sengun not making the team has prompted a bit of buzz. To many, he was snubbed.
Particularly when comparing Sengun to Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren.
Statistically speaking, there’s a pretty viable argument in Sengun’s favor. (Especially if you throw out efficiency).
He’s averaging 21 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, while Holmgren is averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.1 blocks.
Holgren is shooting 56.6 percent from the field, 36.6 percent from three and 77.8 percent from the foul line, while Sengun is shooting 50 percent from the field, 30 percent from deep and 68.4 percent from the foul line.
The Thunder big man is shooting 62.3 percent effective shooting, while Sengun is posting 51.8 percent chops.
Holmgren is also shooting 65.7 percent true shooting, whereas Sengun is shooting 55.4 percent true shooting.
Again, it’s close, in totality.
The real snubs belong to the LA Clippers, as Kawhi Leonard is having a career season and didn’t make the cut, while James Harden is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists.
They certainly are more belonging than Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, based on this season.
The reality is that this benefits Sengun, for a multitude of reasons. Let’s hone in on two.
For one, he’ll have a chip on his shoulder for the rest of the way, as he’ll be out to prove that he is indeed one of the stars of today’s league.
But more importantly, Sengun can use the break to get healthy. It’s clear that he’s still trying to grind through a fairly recent ankle injury.
Credit to him for trying to push through it, but the playoffs are around the corner.
That’s what’s most important. Then, he’ll really be able to prove his star status.
