Nikola Jokić on Alperen Şengün: “Stop the comparisons. Let him be recognized as himself.”
Nikola Jokić has never been one to chase headlines. He lets his play do the talking - and when you drop a triple-double in a tightly contested overtime win, the message comes through loud and clear. But after the Nuggets edged the Rockets 128-125 in a thriller, Jokić had something else he wanted to make clear: comparisons aren’t always compliments.
The reigning MVP was asked about Alperen Şengün’s rising nickname - “Baby Jokić” - a label that’s been floating around as the young Rockets center continues to impress. Jokić didn’t hesitate to shut it down.
“People need to stop comparing us,” Jokić said postgame. “He’s an amazing player by himself.
He needs to be recognized by who he is. He’s definitely a talented player.
He needs to be recognized as Alperen Şengün.”
That’s not just respect - that’s recognition from the league’s most unselfish superstar, and it carries weight. Jokić knows what it takes to carve out your own identity in the NBA, and he’s not interested in seeing a young talent like Şengün boxed into someone else’s mold.
And the praise was earned. In a game where both big men notched triple-doubles - the first time in NBA history two centers have done so in the same game - Şengün was every bit the offensive engine Houston needed.
His footwork in the post looked polished beyond his years, and his mid-range jumper was smooth and confident. The Rockets see him as a franchise cornerstone for a reason, and performances like this only reinforce that belief.
Şengün, for his part, has been consistent about wanting to build his own path in the league. Since arriving from Turkey in 2021, he’s talked about creating his own brand, not living in the shadow of any player - even one as accomplished as Jokić. That mindset clearly resonates with the Nuggets star, who knows a thing or two about defying expectations and crafting a unique game that’s nearly impossible to replicate.
But Jokić wasn’t done handing out flowers. Late in regulation, it was a familiar face - and future Hall of Famer - who nearly stole the show. With seconds left, Kevin Durant drilled a tough three-pointer to send the game into overtime and give Houston a shot to pull off the upset.
“He needs so little time, so little space,” Jokić said. “He had a big three at the end of regulation.
He’s an amazing scorer. He’s an amazing player.
A legendary player. You’re trying to make someone else beat you in that moment.”
Even at 37, Durant continues to show why he’s still one of the most feared scorers in the league. He finished the night with 24.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4 assists - and did it with remarkable efficiency. He may be in the twilight of his career, but his ability to rise in big moments remains unchanged.
In a game filled with stars, it was the mutual respect that stood out. Jokić’s dominance is well-documented, but his humility and appreciation for the next generation - and for legends still doing it - is part of what makes him such a unique figure in today’s NBA.
And as for Şengün? He may have been labeled “Baby Jokić” by fans and media, but if you ask the original, there’s only one name that matters: Alperen Şengün.