Houston Rockets: 5 bold predictions for the 2021-22 season
By Dylan Thayer
Houston Rockets predictions: 2. Alperen Sengun wins Rookie of the Year
At #16, it feels like Sengun went much lower than he would have in a different year. At 18, he dominated the Turkish League and won the MVP award. Scouts were all over the Turkish teenager and were infatuated with the elite post moves that he does so flawlessly. The finesse and footwork of the 6-foot-10 big made him seem like a sure-fire lottery pick. Although he just fell out of it, he has a legitimate shot of winning the Rookie of the Year Award.
The Summer League gave the NBA world a glimpse of Sengun’s potential. He averaged solid per game averages of 14.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks while also shooting 37.5 percent from three. Heading into the draft, he wasn’t known to be much of a shooter, but his shot had the looks of one that will develop with time. Adding a three-pointer to his already polished offensive arsenal will make him even more of a driving force. He shot 3-for-8 in four Summer League games, and let everyone know that he’s not afraid to pull up when he hit a deep bank-shot three.
Defensively, he plays very smartly. He doesn’t take too many risks and tends to go straight up when contesting a shot. This is big as it helps keep him out of foul trouble. Consistently producing on the defensive side will come with time, but he can be alright on that end at least.
He may not start if the team elects to go with Wood at the center position, but he should see a path to a good amount of minutes. Producing in those minutes will allow him to win this award, and it’s achievable for him. He can score in the post on anyone. He’s shown that he can handle the ball well and capably pull off dribble moves to get to the basket, and he’s mobile. Not the most athletic, but he doesn’t need to be to succeed.
A stat line of 14-16 points per game to go with 10-12 rebounds per game and 2 or so blocks could get him the ROTY. If he shoots the ball well and manages to earn even more minutes in the frontcourt, he’ll be a shoo-in for the top of the rookie standings.