Alperen Sengun is becoming one of the most underrated players in the NBA

As the Houston Rockets have ascended to the upper echelon of the Western Conference, the offensive play of franchise center Alperen Sengun has been one of the remarkable bright spots for the team, as it seems like almost every game he makes an outsize impact on the final result.

However, according to Kevin O'Connor, on the latest episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, it is his improvement on the defensive side of the floor that is currently making him one of the most underrated players in the league:

"This is a guy who entered the NBA and there were questions about [his defensive abilities], and the way he's improved year by year by year to be one of the anchors on one of the better defenses in the entire NBA as well. I'm blown away by what Sengun has become defensively."

Kevin O'Connor

Alperen Sengun is taking rapid steps toward bona-fide stardom

Last season, Sengun truly broke out, averaging 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists en route to his first nod to the All-Star Game.

With his graceful footwork in the paint and his emerging mid-range and perimeter shooting abilities, it's hard to deny that Sengun is one of the most dynamic scoring centers in the league. Yet, as he has become a staunch rim protector as well, the conversation has now shifted to him potentially becoming one of the best players in the NBA full stop: a crucial development as the Rockets chase title contention.

Part of what makes this leap so impressive is that he has done it while being asked to take on an exponentially expanded offensive role. With veteran guard Fred VanVleet out for the season, Sengun has been asked to become a primary facilitator for the team.

So far, he has done so excellently, averaging 7.2 assists per 36 minutes of play.

As long as he plays, no one will be able to rival Nikola Jokic in his impact on the court. Yet, the more impactful Sengun becomes both offensively and defensively, the closer he comes to entering the conversation.

With Kevin Durant on the roster, Sengun no longer needs to be the sole star scorer for Houston. Yet, considering his defensive and playmaking contributions, he needs to be their best player across the course of the season for them to become genuine championship contenders.

So far, he has done that and more, and the league will soon wake up to what a special talent the Rockets have on their hands.