Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun receives high praise as a top 5 big in the NBA, showcasing his defensive prowess alongside scoring and rebounding abilities.
Following an early playoff exit in 2025, the Rockets slightly re-built their roster. Houston traded Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to the Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant. While the Durant trade made headlines, other players on the roster have been overlooked. On Thursday’s edition of the NBA Today on ESPN, Kendrick Perkins mentioned Houston’s Alperen Sengun. He had high praise for the 23-year-old center. The former player-turned-analyst called Sengun ‘A top 5 big in the NBA.’ Perkins believes that Sengun’s ability to defend at a high level sets him apart in the league.
Selected by the Rockets with the 16th pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Alperen Sengun, hailing from Turkey, has quickly made his mark. With 286 games and 224 starts over four seasons, Sengun’s rise has been steady. His standout performance in the 2024-25 season, starting 76 games and earning his first all-star nod, solidified his status as a rising star in the league.
Perkins emphasized that Sengun’s impact goes beyond traditional stats like points, rebounds, and assists. The Turkish center’s defensive prowess and ability to shut down opponents at a high level have caught the attention of NBA analysts and fans alike. Sengun’s well-rounded game and dedication to both ends of the floor have set him apart as a top-tier player in the league.
As Kendrick Perkins lauds Sengun’s defensive skills, the 23-year-old continues to hone his craft and make his presence felt on the court. With his combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities, Alperen Sengun is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the NBA, living up to the high praise bestowed upon him by Perkins and others.
16xjal