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The Houston Rockets have steadily ascended the Western Conference standings this season, thanks to their burgeoning young core. Among the standout performers, Alperen Sengun has emerged as the heart of the team, blending versatility with brilliance to deliver remarkable performances game after game. In their recent clash against the Sacramento Kings on January 17, Sengun showcased his elite skills, playing for 34 minutes and racking up 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc. He also collected 10 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, swatted 4 shots, and nabbed 1 steal. Despite his valiant effort, the Rockets fell to the Kings, but Sengun’s contribution on both ends of the court has not gone unnoticed.
His playmaking, footwork, and scoring inside the paint have drawn comparisons to elite centers like Nikola Jokic. With the Rockets boasting a strong 27-13 record, Sengun’s consistent brilliance has earned him accolades from fans and analysts alike. His exceptional performances recently drew the attention of a retired NBA legend who not only praised his skills but also endorsed him for an All-Star spot.
Alperen Sengun’s All-Star potential
During a segment of TNT’s Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley, a Hall of Fame forward, heaped praise on Alperen Sengun, calling him “a poor man’s Kevin McHale.” Barkley commended Sengun’s outstanding footwork, creativity, and ability to dominate in crucial moments. Barkley said that he is the best player in the team and lauded for his stupendous records. He also emphasized that Sengun’s contribution should be rewarded with an All-Star selection.
"[The Rockets] are really ballin' right now. Ime Udoka is doing a fabulous job. The interesting question has got to be Alperen Sengun. Is he gonna be an All-Star or not? I would put him on the All-Star team because we got to reward winning. And he's the best player on the team with the second-best record in the West. Man, this guy got some feet work, like Shaq would say. He's a poor man's Kevin McHale," Barkley said.
Barkley’s endorsement holds significant weight, especially considering his critical stance on modern NBA players. His praise underscores Sengun’s impact on the Rockets’ success. With Sengun leading Houston’s resurgence, his All-Star nod could mark a pivotal moment in his blossoming career as one of the league's brightest stars.
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