As expected, the Rockets will be starting, soon to be second-year player, Alperen Sengun for the 2022-2023 NBA season (According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle). Sengun is expected to receive anywhere from 25 to 30 minutes a night in a starting role while allocating the leftover minutes to run a “small-ball” lineup.
The soon-expected trade of sending former Rockets center Christian Wood to the Dallas Mavericks indicated one thing and one thing only. Alperen Sengun was the next starting Center for the Houston Rockets. Sengun playing behind Christian Wood has only caused Rockets fans and media across the country to call for the trade of Christian Wood. Now that the Rockets-Mavericks trade is finalized, Alperen Sengun’s chance to finally shine as the starting center alongside the Rockets’ number 3 overall pick, Jabari Smith, has finally come to fruition.
Alperen Sengun is expected to play around 25 to 30 minutes while allocating the remaining minutes to play a “small-ball” lineup that might include one of Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, or Usman Garuba. This allows this Rockets team to be flexible defensively while switching 1-5 as they have in previous seasons. As the Rockets ranked 29th overall in defensive rating, this move to limit Sengun’s minutes might be a good choice in the long run. Until Alperen Sengun becomes an adequate, switchy defender, the team will continue to help Sengun excel in a role best suited for him.
Alperen Sengun’s role next season:
— 𝓝𝔂𝔁 (@NyxRockets) June 29, 2022
“The plan is to have Alperen Sengun start and play 25 to 30 minutes per game in his second season. The Rockets would like to work with small lineups for another eight to 10 minutes.”
(via @Jonathan_Feigen) pic.twitter.com/zzmd44ezIf
Chris
June 30, 2022 at 7:23 am
Excellent read!