Alperen Şengün’s All-Star Nod Is More Than a Recognition - It’s a Reflection of His Rise
HOUSTON - Alperen Şengün doesn’t duck the spotlight when things go wrong. That’s not how he’s built. The Rockets’ 21-year-old center has made accountability a cornerstone of his game, owning his performances-good or bad-and demanding more of himself when the energy isn’t there.
After a tough loss to the Hornets last week, where he shot just 27.3% from the field and finished with 7 points and 9 rebounds, Şengün didn’t sugarcoat it. He stood in front of reporters and put the blame squarely on his own shoulders.
“We just have to put the energy in and play hard over there, but that starts with me,” he said postgame. “I have to do a better job.
It starts with me. I have to give my everything and help the team out.”
And then, just like he said he would, he responded.
Two nights later, in Oklahoma City, Şengün delivered one of his most complete performances of the season: 17 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and a triple-double that powered Houston to a much-needed 112-106 win, snapping a two-game skid.
That kind of bounce-back isn’t just impressive-it’s emblematic of the player Şengün is becoming. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s growing into the kind of leader who sets the tone and lifts his team when it matters most.
The NBA took notice. Just a day after that performance, Şengün was named an All-Star for the second straight year, this time as an injury replacement for Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s sidelined with an abdominal strain.
For Şengün, the honor is personal-and historic.
“It means a lot for my career,” he said after Monday’s practice. “I am the first Turkish guy selected twice. So I am happy to put my name in there.”
This isn’t just a feel-good story-it’s been earned. Through 51 games, Şengün is averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, helping lead a resurgent Rockets squad to a 32-19 record and the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. He’s been a steady force in the middle, anchoring Houston’s offense with his unique blend of post skill, vision, and playmaking.
And he won’t be alone in Indianapolis. Kevin Durant, his All-Star teammate, will join him, marking the first time since the 2019-20 season-when James Harden and Russell Westbrook shared the spotlight-that Houston has sent multiple players to the All-Star Game.
That’s no small feat for a team that’s been rebuilding in recent years. It’s a sign that the Rockets are turning a corner-and Şengün is at the heart of it.
“For me, he is a perennial guy who should be there every year,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said. “He is motivated to do that and become that, and leave no doubt.”
Udoka’s not wrong. Şengün has had big moments all season long, and he’s been a driving force behind Houston’s climb in the standings. Whether it’s his footwork in the paint, his no-look passes from the high post, or the way he controls the tempo of a game, he’s become one of the league’s most unique and effective big men.
The All-Star selection is validation, sure-but it’s also just the beginning. If Şengün keeps playing like this, he won’t need a replacement slot to get in next year. He’ll be penciled in from the start.
And based on everything we’ve seen so far, that’s exactly where he’s headed.