Tag: Alperen Sengun

Ime Udoka rejected the idea that Alperen Sengun held Jalen Green back from stardom

Rockets coach Ime Udoka doesn’t care for the weird theory about Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.

With the NBA postseason around the corner, there might not be a better player than the Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green right now.

The former No. 2 overall pick has scored at least 26 points in 11 of his last 14 games. He’s playing easily the best basketball of his young career, which not by coincidence, has merged with a 10-game Rockets winning streak. For all intents and purposes, he’s starting to resemble a franchise superstar.

But some have suggested that Green’s rise has only occurred in the absence of Rockets center Alperen Sengun, who suffered a severe ankle sprain in early March.

In a recent episode of The Matt Thomas Show, Houston head coach Ime Udoka heartily rejected this sentiment, saying there was no “direct correlation” between Green’s resurgence and Sengun’s absence.

To piggyback on Udoka, Green already started to score the ball well before Sengun got hurt. The same plays have been made available to the guard all year. It’s more that of late, with appropriate growth, he’s started to take better advantage of his reads and the way teams are defending him. Sure, Green is probably touching the ball more without Sengun in the fold, but Sengun’s profile is more that of a facilitator than a ball-dominant scorer anyway.

In that respect, he wouldn’t detract much from Green’s more assertive play, regardless.

What should excite the Rockets and their fans is pairing this version of Green with a healthy Sengun. Heck, if all goes well with Sengun’s recovery, we might even see this duo again by the end of the regular season.

The Rockets were smart to keep Jalen Green but now they have a big decision to make

The Rockets could have had Mikal Bridges but Jalen Green looks FANTASTIC.

Welcome to Layup Lines, For the Win’s basketball newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Have feedback for the Layup Lines Crew? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey. Now, here’s Bryan Kalbrosky.

The Houston Rockets are arguably the hottest team in the NBA right now and Jalen Green is one of the most important reasons why.

Houston has now won eight games in a row and Green was recently named Western Conference Player of the Week. As the Rockets continue to make a push for a spot in the play-in tournament, the explosion from Green is hard to ignore.

It wasn’t long ago that Green was at the center of trade rumors around the deadline. In fact, per Shams Charania, the Rockets and Nets even discussed a deal that could have sent Green (and multiple first-round picks) to Brooklyn in exchange for Mikal Bridges.

The Nets reportedly decided to pass on the offer, which was a blessing in disguise for the Rockets. His value today is already quite a bit higher than it was just a couple months ago.

But it’s the timing of his stellar play that is especially fascinating for the former No. 2 overall pick, who has now emerged as arguably the best player to come from the soon-to-be defunct G League Ignite program. The guard has played particularly well since Houston’s Alperen Sengun was sidelined due to injury.

Some important stats to consider: Green is averaging 27.6 points per 100 possessions during the minutes he has played alongside Sengun this season, per PBPStats. He is averaging 38.2 points per 100 when he is playing without the big man.

Not only are the Rockets playing faster but Green also gets a much larger offensive role when Sengun is not on the court.

His usage rate is 25.3 percent with the big man and 33.8 percent without the big. This gives him an opportunity to play with the ball in his hands and over the past five games, no NBA player has scored more points per game on pull-up shooting.

Green and Sengun, teammates selected in the 2021 NBA Draft, are eligible for contract extensions this offseason. It will become expensive to pay all of their young core, but that’s undeniably a good problem to have.

Houston will have some big decisions to make as the Rockets determine if the long-term pairing of the two players makes sense. They may need more time to figure that out, though it’s better to have too many players excelling than the opposite.

Future NBA players in March Madness

After two rounds of the March Madness tournament behind us, scouts have had countless games to study and several players have stood out.

While there were a few early exits involving the biggest names in this draft class (like Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham), many of the top prospects are still dancing. Even if it isn’t the best idea to put too much weight in a small sample size, it’s inevitable that some will move up and down draft boards due to how they perform.

Based on what evaluators have seen so far, here are some of the future pros who are heating up when it matters most.

Shootaround

— Caitlin Clark took a clear hit to the face and fans couldn’t believe it didn’t result in an ejection

— Charles Barkley called the Grand Canyon loss to Alabama ‘the dumbest game of basketball’

— Khris Middleton hilariously pleaded with Doc Rivers to score 1 more point for a triple-double (and he did!)

— HoopsHype looked at the top NBA players to never win MVP

Report: If play-in race stays tight, Alperen Sengun could return to Rockets this season

“It’s within the realm of possibility that [Alperen] Sengun could return during the regular season,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon says of the Rockets.

With eight straight wins and a 10-1 record in March, the Houston Rockets (35-35) are suddenly only two games behind the Golden State Warriors (36-33) for the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings, which represents the final berth in the West’s play-in tournament.

But as good as they look now, could they be even better once the tournament arrives in mid-April?

Houston’s incredible March began with Alperen Sengun in the starting lineup, but it has continued since the star center’s March 10 ankle injury thanks to Jalen Green taking his game to a higher level.

When Sengun went down, approximately one month prior to the April 14 end of the regular season, many assumed the Grade 3 ankle sprain would end Sengun’s 2023-24 campaign.

But sourced reports at the time did not rule out a potential return — and now, as the play-in race tightens, a return seems to still be in play.

Per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, speaking on a recent podcast:

It’s within the realm of possibility that Sengun could return during the regular season. He avoided a major injury, but it’s a significant sprain. We kind of assumed he’d be done for the season because they wouldn’t have anything to place for.

I was told there’s a very real chance that it could come down to, late in the regular season, ‘Hey, does it make sense to bring him back?’ Obviously, the number one thing is going to be, ‘Is he cleared, medically?’ … They’re not going to bring him back if they’re not playing for something, but they’re putting themselves in a position to be playing for something.

The complete podcast can be listened to below.

Head coach Ime Udoka said Saturday that Sengun is doing treatment and rehab and had yet to advance to any on-court activity. As of now, the priority is still reducing the swelling in that ankle.

But, it’s worth noting Sengun is no longer in a walking boot and is walking without crutches or any other form of visible assistance.

Of course, going from walking to participating in NBA-level basketball is quite a leap. But, as the standings tighten, it seems that Sengun and the Rockets want to keep the option available.

For the 2023-24 season, Sengun leads the Rockets in scoring (21.1 points, 53.7% FG) and rebounding (9.3) on a per-game basis.

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Ime Udoka envisions years to come with Alperen Sengun in Houston

Rockets coach Ime Udoka on Alperen Sengun: “I think he’s taken a huge step forward, and we’re looking forward to having him for years to come.”

Though his 2023-24 season is likely over due to knee and ankle injuries suffered recently on his right leg, Alperen Sengun already made a sufficiently positive impression on the Houston Rockets.

Once his third NBA season officially concludes, the 21-year-old rising star will be eligible for a new contract. His current rookie-scale deal expires after the 2024-25 league year, for which Sengun is expected to return healthy.

While salary cap math could prompt the Rockets to wait on a new contract until the 2025 offseason, rather than this summer, it’s becoming quite clear  Houston sees the Turkish phenom as a key part of its future. Here’s what head coach Ime Udoka told Matt Thomas on SportsTalk 790, the team’s official flagship radio station:

He’s such a great anchor in the post. He initiates so much offense and attracts so much attention. He was getting everybody wide open looks. He’ll definitely be missed.

I’m proud of what he did this year and the progress he made. I think he’s taken a huge step forward, and we’re looking forward to having him for years to come.

A crafty, 6-foot-10 big man, Sengun averaged a team-high 21.1 points (53.7% FG), 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists in 63 games this season. His success played a key role in the success of the improving Rockets (30-35), who are substantially ahead of their 22-60 record from last season and have now won five of their last six games.

The complete Udoka-Thomas interview can be listened to below.

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Ime Udoka sees Alperen Sengun’s final injury diagnosis as good news for Rockets

“The best news is that it is not broken, and no ligaments torn,” Ime Udoka says of Alperen Sengun’s diagnosis. “In the big picture, it was good news.”

SAN ANTONIO — Prior to Tuesday’s matchup versus the Spurs, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka confirmed center Alperen Sengun will miss several weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 3 right ankle sprain, along with a bone bruise to his knee.

The third-year big man was injured late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 112-104 victory in Sacramento when he landed awkwardly after contesting a shot by Kings center Domantas Sabonis. Sengun fell to the baseline in agonizing pain, and medical staff used a wheelchair to take him to the locker room.

“Some relief,” Udoka said when asked about the final diagnosis. “Obviously you hate to see him miss time in general, but the best news is that it is not broken, and no ligaments torn. Although he will be out for several weeks, in the big picture, it was good news.”

Udoka also had an opportunity to speak with Sengun after being diagnosed with no broken bones.

“He was happy to get that news,” Udoka told reporters Tuesday. “Not only was it a painful injury that looked bad, but he was probably just scared on the court at that time.”

Sengun had a great season, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in 63 starts for Houston. Coach Udoka will have to shuffle his starting lineup to fill the void in the middle.

On Tuesday, he turned to second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr., who often uses his offensive skills to draw bigger and more physical defenders out of the lane. He will also play with his back to the basket on different sets, which he has no issue with.

“Me setting the screen makes it hard for them (opposing centers) to switch,” Smith told Rockets Wire before the game. “Just me with my speed. I feel like it is harder for bigger people to guard me.”

Smith’s versatility can also make him a menace on the defensive end. Ideally, this puts the Rockets in a situation where they will have quicker players on the floor to help prevent open 3-point shots, which they have struggled with at many junctures of the 2023-24 season

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With Alperen Sengun injured, Rockets promote Amen Thompson to starting lineup

With Alperen Sengun sidelined by injury, Houston’s initial starting five will consist of Jabari Smith Jr. sliding to center and Amen Thompson taking a forward spot.

With usual starting center Alperen Sengun (right ankle sprain) likely out for the duration of the 2023-24 regular season, the Houston Rockets aren’t replacing him with a traditional big man.

At least for the time being, head coach Ime Udoka is opting instead to go to a smaller lineup with more speed and athleticism.

In Tuesday’s game in San Antonio — the Spurs start a slender, athletic player, Victor Wembanyama, in the middle — the Rockets opted to slide second-year prospect Jabari Smith Jr. to center.

In turn, that allowed rookie Amen Thompson to fill one of the vacated forward spots alongside veteran Dillon Brooks. Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green continue to start in the backcourt roles.

Had Udoka opted for a more traditional lineup — and it’s possible he could change course in future games — veterans Jeff Green and Jock Landale are options for expanded frontcourt roles. But at least for now, it appears the Rockets want to use the vacated minutes to get a longer look at their uber-athletic rookie, who provides considerable value as a versatile defender and strong rebounder.

Before the All-Star break, Udoka appeared to suggest Thompson could be an option to replace the struggling Jalen Green at shooting guard. In that case, Udoka ultimately chose to stay the course with Green, whose performances have improved since.

A month later, Thompson gets the first call after a spot in the starting lineup finally opened (due to Sengun’s injury). Even with a somewhat unconventional fit, at least in terms of positions and roles, the hope is Thompson’s talent will prove worth it.

Over his last 27 games, Thompson is averaging 9.7 points (54% FG), 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1 block in 22.7 minutes per game. Most impressively, even as a rookie, the 21-year-old has become one of Houston’s best and most trusted defenders. At 6-foot-7, he’s capable of covering and switching across most positions.

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Rockets star Alperen Sengun shares leg injury update, thanks fans for support

Alperen Sengun, translated: “Thank God, there is no problem with my knee. I will have a small treatment process because my ankle is sprained.”

After injury news that was less dire than many suspected, third-year Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun appears to be relieved.

After a scary fall late in Sunday’s win at Sacramento, Sengun suffered a severe ankle sprain and bone bruising around his knee. All of the injuries are to the lower portion of his right leg, and the combination of issues could potentially force Sengun to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season (which only has about a month left).

But none of Sengun’s injuries will require surgery, according to multiple media reports, which should put the 21-year-old on course to be fully available for the 2024-25 campaign and beyond.

In a message posted to Instagram in Turkish (his native language), here’s a translated English version of what Sengun said to fans:

I would like to thank everyone who called and supported me after my injury. Thank God, there is no problem with my knee. I will have a small treatment process because my ankle is sprained.

Feeling your support has given me strength. I will start working to come back even stronger than before, as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4aAgqvAl6d/?hl=en

Sengun averaged 21.1 points (53.7%), 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 63 games this season. The Turkish prospect, drafted at No. 16 overall in the 2021 first round, led Houston in scoring and rebounding, and his production has been crucial for the improving Rockets (29-35) — who entered Tuesday with four wins in five games.

Sengun is under contract for at least one more season (2024-25), after which he could become a restricted free agent. He will be eligible for a contract extension from the Rockets this offseason.

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After close win, Clippers stars impressed by improving Rockets

Kawhi Leonard on the Rockets: “Very good and very confident. Ime [Udoka] is putting them in the right position to succeed, and they are just getting better and better.”

HOUSTON — Los Angeles Clippers forwards Kwahi Leonard and Paul George sat at their lockers inside the visiting locker room of Toyota Center, and discussed some of the events that had transpired in Wednesday’s 122-116 victory over Houston.

Leonard and George knew coming into the game that they would have their hands full with a young, inspired team that featured several strong veterans and a proven head coach, Ime Udoka.

“Very good and very confident,” Leonard told Rockets Wire when asked about Houston’s team. “Ime (Udoka) is putting them in the right position to succeed, and they are just getting better and better.”

Houston led by as many as 20 points in the first half before being outscored in the second half, 78-59. George, Leonard and former Rockets star James Harden used their combined 47 years of NBA experience to wear down their youthful opponents, who are still learning to finish games. That was once Harden’s role before he left the team (through a forced trade) in January 2021.

“They are definitely headed in the right direction,” Harden said regarding the Rockets’ future. “They have a combination of young talent with some vet pieces that have some experience. They have been playing really well. The future is bright.”

That analysis by proven All-Star talents clearly suggests Udoka has his team on the right track. Although they are 3-5 since the All-Star break, Houston has looked increasingly competitive against the Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder, who are likely to make the NBA playoffs.

Jalen Green had back-to-back games of 34 points in Phoenix, while teammate Alperen Sengun did his best work at home. On Tuesday, he posted a career-high 45 points and five steals in his matchup with prized rookie Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. He followed that with his second career triple-double: 23 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists against the Clippers.

“I have been the biggest supporter of Alperen (Sengun), so it doesn’t surprise me at all,” George told Rockets Wire when describing Sengun’s strong play. “His game … he is up there with the best of the centers in this league, and he is showing that, night in and night out.”

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‘He’s damn good’: Alperen Sengun draws national praise from ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser

“He’s damn good,” ESPN’s Michael Wilbon says of Alperen Sengun. “He might be the NBA’s Most Improved Player. He could be on the same trajectory as [Jokic].”

After dominating prized rookie Victor Wembanyama in a head-to-head matchup this week, third-year Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is drawing more national attention.

That included a mention on ESPN’s storied “Pardon the Interruption” show, which aired Wednesday prior to Houston’s nationally televised game versus the Los Angeles Clippers. Though the Rockets lost that game, Sengun had another extremely strong night with a triple-double (23 points, 19 rebounds, and 14 assists).

One of PTI’s hosts, Tony Kornheiser, asked whether Sengun should be considered in the same class as top Western Conference big-man prospects like Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Wilbon responded:

Yes. He’s the same age, although it’s his third year in the league.

He’s damn good. He might be the Most Improved Player of the league. He’s worth watching. In a few years, he could be on the same trajectory as Joker (Nikola Jokic, two-time NBA MVP with the Denver Nuggets). He’s really, really good.

The complete segment can be viewed below. In his opening comments, Kornheiser correctly points out Sengun outscored Wembanyama by a staggering 30-0 margin in the second half.

Just 21 years old, Sengun is averaging career-highs in points (21.3 per game), rebounds (9.4), assists (5.0) and steals (1.2) this season.

The Turkish center has led Houston in scoring and rebounding while increasingly becoming the focal point of Ime Udoka’s offense.

Among frontcourt players in the West Sengun finished No. 5 in fan voting for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. With ample support from Turkish fans, that total led Wembanyama and Holmgren.

As a team, the Rockets are an improved 27-35 in the 2023-24 season, which is already well ahead of their records (20-62 and 22-60) in each of Sengun’s first two years with the franchise.

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Rising Rockets star Alperen Sengun sees perfect coach in Ime Udoka

“Ime’s a perfect coach,” Alperen Sengun says of Ime Udoka and his job with the Rockets. “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had, probably.”

Alperen Sengun’s star is clearly on the rise in his third NBA season, and the young Houston Rockets big man is giving at least some of the credit to Ime Udoka, his new coach for the 2023-24 campaign.

As part of an extended interview with Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, here’s what Sengun said of Udoka and his staff:

They’re all helping us. Like, Ime’s a perfect coach. He’s the best coach I ever had, probably. But not just Ime. Our whole coaching staff is amazing. Everybody’s doing a great job. Everybody wants to win. I’ve never seen a coaching staff like this in my life.

When you see (it), you understand. They’re tough. They’re talking to us. They’re not scared of anything.

Just 21 years old, Sengun is averaging career-highs in points (21.3 per game), rebounds (9.4), assists (5.0) and steals (1.2) this season.

The Turkish center has led Houston in scoring and rebounding while increasingly becoming the focal point of Udoka’s offense.

The complete Fischer-Sengun interview can be read here.

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