Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun Emerges as Elite NBA Rebounder

Alperen Sengun has emerged as a pivotal player for the Houston Rockets, significantly contributing to their resurgence since being drafted in 2021. Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone highlighted Sengun's pre-NBA success, noting his MVP award in the highly competitive Turkish league at age 18, comparing him to stars like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. Since becoming a full-time starter, Sengun has transformed the Rockets into one of the league's best rebounding teams, consistently ranking second in rebounding under coach Ime Udoka. Despite his impressive performances, Sengun has been overlooked in some top big man rankings, though advanced metrics show him among the elite centers in the NBA, and his defensive contributions have been crucial to the Rockets' strong defense. His development into an explosive and skilled low-post scorer and playmaker continues to make him a cornerstone of Houston's rebuilding efforts, especially after the departure of Jalen Green in the trade for Kevin Durant. Overall, Sengun is recognized by insiders and fans as one of the most underrated and impactful players in the league today.