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The Houston Rockets have embarked on a new chapter in their franchise history, known as “Phase 2,” as they continue their rebuilding efforts. With Phase 1 marked by the departure of superstar James Harden and a string of disappointing seasons, the Rockets have undergone significant changes to transform into a competitive team once again. This transformation has been fueled by a combination of strategic acquisitions and the rapid development of their young core, including the emergence of 21-year-old center Alperen Sengun as one of the NBA’s most promising young talents.
The Rockets’ overhaul began with the trade of James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021, which initiated Phase 1 of their rebuild. During this phase, Houston struggled, finishing with the worst record in the league over the span of two seasons. However, in Phase 2, the Rockets have made significant progress towards becoming a postseason contender once again. The team hired former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka and made notable offseason signings, including Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, to provide veteran leadership and stability.
One of the cornerstones of Houston’s rebuild is the remarkable rise of Alperen Sengun. Just four years ago, Sengun was excelling in the Turkish League. Fast forward to the present day, and Sengun has blossomed into one of the NBA’s most promising young big men. His skill set, versatility, and unguardable offensive game have caught the attention of his teammates and opponents alike. Sengun’s numbers have skyrocketed this season, with career-high averages in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game.
Sengun’s individual improvement has mirrored the Rockets’ significant leap as a team. Despite their youth and inexperience, Houston is hot on the heels of the Los Angeles Lakers for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. Sengun’s rapid development has ingrained a winning mentality within the team, which has been held as a standard by the coaching staff, the veterans, and the young core. His impact on the court has established him as a key contributor to Houston’s success.
While Sengun’s offensive prowess is undeniable, the Rockets are focused on his growth as a defender. According to coach Udoka, Sengun has been susceptible to falling back into old defensive habits. However, the team acknowledges that Sengun’s offensive skills are consistently on display and that his defensive capabilities are a work in progress. Houston’s defensive rating has improved significantly this season, and Sengun’s presence on the court has contributed to their defensive success.
Sengun has embraced the coaching and leadership provided by Udoka, VanVleet, and Brooks. Growing up in an environment where tough coaching was the norm, Sengun is no stranger to criticism and hard work. He acknowledges that defense was not always a priority in his career, but he understands that to reach his potential and become an All-Star, he must excel in all aspects of the game. Sengun’s willingness to learn, embrace tough coaching, and maintain a winning mentality has endeared him to his teammates and coaches.
The Rockets face the challenge of balancing their desire to win now with the development of their young players. With Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and other young talents, Houston is attempting to create a winning culture while investing in their long-term success. This delicate balance is often difficult to achieve, but the Rockets remain hopeful that Sengun’s emergence as a star player will propel them into the postseason, signaling the fruition of their rebuilding efforts.
The Houston Rockets have undergone a remarkable transformation in Phase 2 of their rebuild, fueled by the emergence of Alperen Sengun as a budding star. With Sengun’s rapid development and contributions on both ends of the court, the Rockets are on the cusp of returning to the postseason. Sengun’s offensive prowess, coupled with his commitment to improving as a defender, has made him a key figure in Houston’s resurgence. As the Rockets navigate the delicate balance between winning now and player development, the hope is that Sengun will lead them into a new era of success. With an unyielding desire to win and a growing skill set, Sengun’s ascent to stardom is just the beginning of a promising future for the Houston Rockets.
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