The Houston Rockets and Alpheren Sengun have formally entered a brand new period, one led by a mix of youth, size, and now, pure scoring greatness in Kevin Durant.
The crew’s blockbuster summer time commerce for the two-time Finals MVP instantly modified the outlook of the franchise, bringing one of many sport’s all-time elite scorers to a younger, fast-rising core. For 23-year-old middle Alperen Sengun, who’s spent years attempting to sluggish Durant down, it’s a welcome change.
“Now I understand how we had been anxious about guarding KD after we’re enjoying in opposition to him,” Sengun instructed ESPN’s Vanessa Richardson. “Now, we don’t have to fret about that [guarding KD]. Different groups have to fret about that. I’m simply gonna assist him as a lot as I can, and I’m positive he’ll assist all people.”
“Now, we don’t have to fret about that (guarding KD.) Different groups have to fret about that.”
-Alperen Sengun #AllFire 🚀 @HoustonRockets | @SportsVanessa pic.twitter.com/04MZmNEcP9
— Area Metropolis Dwelling Community (@SpaceCityHN) October 6, 2025
Durant, getting into his nineteenth NBA season, isn’t exhibiting indicators of decline after averaging 26.6 factors per sport on an absurd 53-43-84 capturing break up final 12 months with the Phoenix Suns. His arrival provides Houston the kind of offensive consistency head coach Ime Udoka has been craving.
“You’ve seen the numbers… and the factors that he averages, he form of does that in his sleep,” Udoka mentioned. “Simply these two facets alone will clearly enhance our consistency throughout the board.”
Durant has been equally impressed along with his new frontcourt associate, praising Sengun’s all-around potential and creativity.
“I’ve performed with some bigs which are nice at what they do… however I feel Alpi can just about do some little bit of all of that and extra,” Durant mentioned.
Sengun averaged 19.1 factors, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists final season, incomes his first All-Star nod, and adopted it up with a standout exhibiting at EuroBasket 2025, the place he led Turkey to a silver medal. His passing contact and footwork have made him one of many league’s most fun younger bigs, and he’s desperate to see how Durant’s presence will open up Houston’s offense.
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