Is Alperen Sengun the Steal of the Draft so far?

With the 16th pick in the NBA Draft Oklahoma City Thunder select….. Alperen Sengun! Sengun was then traded to the Houston Rockets for two future first round picks.

Sengun has been a vital piece of the bench for the Houston Rockets, posting 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in 18 minutes. The Rockets have been mediocre over the last 5 games, with a record of 2-3, but Sengun has improved significantly. Over the last 5 games, Sengun has averaged 11.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists along with an astounding 2.0 blocks.

Is Alperen Sengun the next Nikola Jokic?

If you have been watching Rockets games this season then you will know what I am talking about. Sengun has shown how smart he is on the court and has a very high basketball IQ. The Turkish center can pass the ball at a very elite level and often is the guy directing traffic for the Rockets. He can score at will, particularly in the low post. Sengun dominated Demarcus Cousins, who happens to be one of the strongest players in the entire league. During the Bucks win over the Rockets on the 10th of December Cousins committed 4 fouls while trying to guard Sengun, which, as you can imagine got Boogie heated. Sengun ended that game with 15 points in 15 minutes.

Sengun is set to work on his post moves with Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon helped the Rockets win the NBA Championship in 1994 and 1995 and was rewarded with 2 Finals MVP Trophy’s. Olajuwon is undoubtedly the best low post player in NBA history and has mentored notable players such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Amar’e Stoudemire and Dwight Howard. Sengun already has great post moves at such a young age, so if he continues to work with Hakeem then it is safe to say Sengun will be an elite post player.

If all goes to plan and Sengun stays healthy, the Houston Rockets will have themselves a legitimate star.