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Alperen Sengun has begun to show why the Houston Rockets made him the 16th overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft. Sengun has averaged 15.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks in just 26.7 minutes per game this season. Furthermore, he is shooting 54.2% from the field and 61.0% on shots taken within 10 feet of the basket.
As a rookie, Sengun shot just 47.4% from the field and 55.4% from shots within 10 feet of the basket. Furthermore, in 20.7 minutes per game, he averaged 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks.
While his playing time has been inconsistent, Sengun has shown that he is developing as a player. At just 20 years old, he has been a part of the Houston Rockets starting lineup for his past 14 games after coming off the bench in his first three contests.
Sengun recently had the best game of his young career against the OKC Thunder, finishing with 21 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks while shooting 58.8% from the field.
Alperen Sengun's free throw routine
Alperen Sengun's unique routine at the free throw line brought plenty of attention to him last season. The Turkish-born center speaks to the ball at the charity stripe. Sengun did not disclose the words that he says at the line, choosing to keep it a secret; however, he did note that he says a Turkish prayer.
While every player has a routine that they engage in prior to shooting their free throws, Sengun's stands out as he puts the ball very close to his face.
Watch Alperen Sengun's free throw routine below:
Alperen Sengun received high praise from Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic
Alperen Sengun and the Houston Rockets recently faced back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets. The four-time All-Star had high praise for the second-year player following the game.
Jokic was asked about Sengun, who models his game after the star center. He said:
"I think he's really talented. Maybe it's gonna sound weird, but I think they need to play a little bit more through him. You know, because sometimes they look a little bit more stagnant with all the threes. The guy has the talent. He can pass the ball. He can post up. He has a touch around the rim. You can see some different moves when he's playing."
Receiving such high praise from someone that he looks up to should certainly motivate Sengun. It remains to be seen if the Rockets will give him more playing time and opportunities as the season progresses.
Watch Nikola Jokic's comments on Alperen Sengun below:
Guess the Lakers players!
