Houston Rockets rookie Alperen Sengun on Friday returned from a seven-game absence and produced nine points and four rebounds in a loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Sengun had been sidelined since Dec. 31 due to a right ankle injury. He had made steady progress during his recovery and was eventually lifted off of the Rockets’ injury report ahead of the Rockets’ contest on Friday versus the Kings.
Rockets head coach Stephen Silas noticed that Sengun looked to be a bit out of rhythm during the contest but is confident the 16th pick can bounce back quickly.
(He) seemed just a little out of game rhythm. He got his post-ups and he was fine in there but as far as the game part of it, he just seemed a little bit out of game rhythm there but he’ll get there.
While Sengun may have been knocking off some rust, the 19-year-old was excited to be back on the court with his teammates. Despite missing seven games, Sengun felt good and did not experience any fatigue in his first game back.
“I felt really good,” Sengun said through a translator. “I didn’t feel like I was missing any conditioning because I worked very good with (assistant coach John) Lucas in that period. I didn’t feel like I was tired.”
TOO MUCH SAUCE SENGUN 😮💨
He's officially back. pic.twitter.com/VtLIafURxb
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 15, 2022
Without Sengun, the Rockets went 2-5 in the seven games he missed. He has emerged as a key rotational player this season, averaging nine points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 36 games. The team greatly missed his playmaking and ability to work in the pain.
Sengun was highly touted for his versatility on offense as a player that can create for himself and others. Silas on Friday explained what has impressed him the most about Sengun.
I would say it’s his maturity as a 19-year-old. He is 19 and from Turkey and doesn’t speak English that great but he is a poised, confident post-up threat as well as a good passer from the high post and the low post and the elbow. He makes the game easier for his teammates and that is rare for a 19-year-old.
Sengun has dazzled at times with his passing and ability to make plays on both ends of the floor. It is clear that he has made a tremendous impact in just his first season in the NBA with the Rockets and that should only continue the more he plays.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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