Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun is turning heads as one of the NBA's most skilled big men, drawing comparisons to Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic. But Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player and current analyst, has a different take.
During a recent episode of “NBA Countdown,” Perkins dismissed Sengun’s nickname, “Baby Jokic,” suggesting that even Sengun might not be fond of it. Instead, Perkins offered a new moniker: “Zero Interest,” pointing to Sengun’s perceived lack of defensive enthusiasm.
“When the coach talks about dog mentality and defense, the big man comes to mind,” Perkins explained. “Sengun doesn’t like ‘Baby Jokic,’ so I’ve dubbed him ‘Zero Interest’ because he seems uninterested in defense.”
Perkins highlighted Sengun’s defensive struggles, particularly in a game against the San Antonio Spurs. He critiqued Sengun’s body language and defensive intent, noting that the Spurs repeatedly exploited his defensive lapses.
“I’m not targeting him unfairly. If the film shows it, it’s there,” Perkins added.
In that game, Sengun allowed an average of 1.76 points per possession, marking a low point in Rockets’ history. The team’s 145-120 loss saw Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama rack up 29 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, underscoring Sengun’s defensive challenges.
While Sengun isn’t renowned for his defense, this performance was particularly concerning. Statistically, he averages 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game with a solid defensive rating of 111. However, in the last 10 games, his defensive rating has slipped to 118.3, allowing significant points off turnovers, in the paint, and on second chances.
Perkins’ critique might be a bit harsh. Houston ranks eighth in the league with a defensive rating of 112.2, indicating the team’s ability to offset Sengun’s defensive issues. Offensively, Sengun is a powerhouse, averaging 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, which helps balance any defensive shortcomings.
As the third-ranked Rockets gear up for the season’s final stretch, consistency is key. With a 6-4 record in their last 10 games, they need to rebound from their recent loss to the Nuggets. A win against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 13 is crucial to getting back on track.