Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has absolutely ascended this season. He’s starting to become a household name.<\/p>\n
He’s no longer an underrated up-and-coming young talent. He’s arrived.<\/p>\n
He’s no longer “Baby Jokic”, an obvious reference to Denver Nuggets superstar big man and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He’s Alperen Sengun.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It’s not fair to compare him to someone else. Especially a living legend like Jokic.<\/p>\n
But he’s a legend in his own right. Or at least he’s on his way to becoming one.<\/p>\n
Maybe he won’t win three MVP awards.<\/p>\n
That’s okay.<\/p>\n
He made the All-Star team last season and is already being predicted to make another All-Star team. Even though we’re just a month into the NBA season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
(Or a little longer than that).<\/p>\n
Sengun’s role has changed drastically this season. Especially offensively.<\/p>\n
We haven’t had the spamming of the pick-and-roll between he and Fred VanVleet, since VanVleet is out.<\/p>\n
The Rockets also don’t really have a point guard on the roster who can run pick-and-roll action.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sengun has been Houston\u2019s initiator in the halfcourt, which has led to Houston having the league’s best offense, as the Rockets rank first in offensive efficiency and points per game.<\/p>\n
He’s even drawn double teams regularly. Sure, he drew double teams last season and was the primary draw for opposing defenses before.<\/p>\n
That was different. This year’s team added Kevin Durant in the offseason.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One of the game’s greatest scorers of all-time. Yet and still, Sengun is facing doubles, and teams are choosing to leave Durant open.<\/p>\n
Sometimes.<\/p>\n