A New Era for the Houston Rockets: The Rise of Alperen Sengun
In the wake of a monumental trade that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021, the Houston Rockets embarked on a bold rebuild, eschewing immediate gains for the promise of future talent.
This strategy set the stage for the Rockets to secure a series of high lottery picks over four consecutive seasons, a period that would redefine the team’s trajectory and unearth a gem in Alperen Sengun.
Drafting a Future Star
With their sights set on rejuvenation, the Rockets utilized their first post-Harden pick to draft Jalen Green, a promising talent from the NBA G League Ignite team. Yet, it was their acquisition of the 17th overall pick, traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder, that would prove transformative. Selected with this pick, Alperen Sengun quickly emerged not only as a cornerstone for the Rockets but also as one of the standout talents of his draft class.
Sengun’s Ascension under New Leadership
The initial years of rebuilding were marked by instability and losses, a challenging period for the Rockets under the guidance of Stephen Silas. However, the arrival of Ime Udoka as coach heralded a new chapter, one in which Sengun’s potential began to fully blossom. Despite narrowly missing an All-Star appearance in the 2023-24 season due to injury and the team’s struggles, Sengun was undeterred. His resolve to achieve greatness was palpable, setting the stage for a remarkable campaign in the following season.
All-Star Recognition and Playoff Ambitions
In the 2024-25 season, Sengun’s dedication bore fruit as he earned his first All-Star Game selection as a reserve, a testament to his impact on the court. His contributions were pivotal in propelling the Rockets to a second-place finish in the Western Conference, securing 52 wins and ending a five-year playoff drought. Although the team’s playoff journey was cut short, the season marked a significant milestone for Sengun and the Rockets, signaling a bright future ahead.
Evolving for the Future: The Quest for 3-Point Proficiency
As the Rockets look to build on their success, the focus shifts to areas of improvement, notably Sengun’s 3-point shooting capabilities. Despite his prowess in the post, Sengun’s performance from beyond the arc has been a point of contention. His determination to enhance his 3-point shooting was evident from his preseason aspirations, yet the season saw a decline in both attempts and efficiency from distance. Recognizing the strategic advantage of diversifying his offensive threat, Sengun faces the challenge of refining his long-range shooting to elevate his game and the Rockets’ competitive edge.
The Path Forward
Alperen Sengun’s journey from a promising draft pick to an All-Star and key player for the Houston Rockets is a narrative of resilience, growth, and untapped potential. As he endeavors to expand his skill set, particularly in 3-point shooting, the implications for both his career and the Rockets’ aspirations are profound. With Sengun at the forefront, the Rockets are not just aiming for playoff appearances but are setting their sights on championship contention, a dream that grows ever more tangible with each step forward in Sengun’s evolution.
In the grand tapestry of the NBA, stories of transformation and triumph resonate deeply, and Sengun’s ascent with the Rockets adds a compelling chapter. As the team gears up for the challenges ahead, the anticipation of what Sengun and the Rockets can achieve together holds the promise of an exhilarating future, rekindling the spirit of competition and the pursuit of greatness in the heart of Houston and beyond.