After an encouraging rookie year with the Rockets, Alperen Sengun is even better with the struggling franchise this season, making Nikola Jokic, Anthony Edwards, and Rudy Gobert recognize his talent.

Credit: AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Credit AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Alperen Sengun posted a full stat line on Wednesday with 10 points (5/9FGs), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and a steal in the Rockets' loss to the Kings.

The Turkish big man recorded his first career triple-double, making him the youngest player in team history to finish with one, after Kevin Porter Jr. Although Houston's 10-30 record is shaky, Sengun is averaging 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 26.6 minutes to go along with 11 double-doubles.

The former Besiktas center is shooting 54.9%, and his true shooting percentage is an impressive 60.5% this season.

In his second year, Sengun is garnering praise from many star players in the league.

"I think he’s really talented," reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic said earlier this year. "Maybe this is going to sound weird, but I think they need to play a little bit more through him. This guy has the talent. He can pass the ball, he can post up, and he has the touch around the rim. You can see some different moves that he's made."

"Me personally, I think they need to build around number 28 (Sengun)", Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards told Rockets Wire after playing against Houston on Sunday.

"Jalen (Green) and Kevin Porter Jr. are franchise players also, but that dude is something serious. We had to game plan for him."

Those words echoed what two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had said commented about Sengun way back when the Turkish international was still a rookie.

"He's a good player," Antetokounmpo said of the 20-year-old. "He takes his time; nothing can speed him up. He might be slow in the post, but he’s effective. He's playing well. He's playing a lot of minutes off the bench and gives energy to his teammates.

He rebounds the ball well. He's being aggressive and sets good screens. I think the sky's the limit for him," the Greek forward told the media in November 2021.

Three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert also acknowledged how much of a force Sengun is becoming in the league.

"He has been getting better and better," said Gobert, who recently posted 18 points and 11 rebounds with Minnesota against Sengun who tallied 18 and 8, respectively. 

"I think he is very unique in the way that he plays. The way that he is finishing. Last year he was turning the ball over more, but this year he has gotten a lot better," the Frenchman maintains. 

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Free throws this season

77%
19,2
Points made: 19,2
Accuracy: 76,5%
Place in standings: 11
Record max: 34
Record min: 9
Most made FTs: Jalen Green