Though his 2023-24 season is likely over due to knee and ankle injuries suffered recently on his right leg, Alperen Sengun already made a sufficiently positive impression on the Houston Rockets.
Once his third NBA season officially concludes, the 21-year-old rising star will be eligible for a new contract. His current rookie-scale deal expires after the 2024-25 league year, for which Sengun is expected to return healthy.
While salary cap math could prompt the Rockets to wait on a new contract until the 2025 offseason, rather than this summer, it’s becoming quite clear Houston sees the Turkish phenom as a key part of its future. Here’s what head coach Ime Udoka told Matt Thomas on SportsTalk 790, the team’s official flagship radio station:
He’s such a great anchor in the post. He initiates so much offense and attracts so much attention. He was getting everybody wide open looks. He’ll definitely be missed.
I’m proud of what he did this year and the progress he made. I think he’s taken a huge step forward, and we’re looking forward to having him for years to come.
A crafty, 6-foot-10 big man, Sengun averaged a team-high 21.1 points (53.7% FG), 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists in 63 games this season. His success played a key role in the success of the improving Rockets (30-35), who are substantially ahead of their 22-60 record from last season and have now won five of their last six games.
The complete Udoka-Thomas interview can be listened to below.
