Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas unintentionally created a social media stir with Sunday’s postgame comments, in which he was critical of second-year center Alperen Sengun’s defense. At the time, Silas was explaining why Sengun didn’t return to the game in the fourth quarter.
While not inaccurate, many fans wondered why a rebuilding team like the Rockets wouldn’t let Sengun play through some of those difficulties and learn from them. Some questioned if other prospects should be held to a similar standard, since it’s not as if Houston is a strong defensive team when Sengun isn’t playing.
Prior to Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets, Silas was asked by Jackson Gatlin of “Locked on Rockets” about why it appears that Sengun is being singled out regarding his defensive issues.
As part of a lengthy response, which also included an analysis of the current pick-and-roll challenges, here’s part of what Silas said:
He’s not being singled out at all, but it is is the job of your five … to man your defense and be the center point.
We’ve had conversations about it. I don’t want him to put so much pressure on himself if there’s an adjustment made and it’s one game or two games out of 82.
The full response can be viewed below. Silas said Sengun often struggles with switching and blitzing coverages, adding that while he believes it will improve with time, Sengun isn’t there yet.
Asked Silas why Alperen Sengun appears singled out defensively:
"We've had conversations about it. It's not like he's being punished at all. I don't want him to put so much pressure on himself if there's an adjustment made and it's one game or two games out of 82." pic.twitter.com/GbV6H2Ocbj
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) February 28, 2023
As for Sengun, he was back in the starting lineup Tuesday for a battle against back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. To Sengun’s credit, he agreed with Silas’ harsh comments regarding his defensive performance and acknowledged he needs to be better.
Silas continued: pic.twitter.com/MzyaUUXZdD
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) February 28, 2023
