Alperen Sengun's new reality immediately solves his biggest weaknesses

When the Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant, they were thinking about their 2025-26 win total, but they were also thinking of player development. Perhaps no player is going to benefit as much as Alperen Sengun.

The 2024-25 season was interesting for Sengun. He had his best defensive season by a long shot. For some, that brought such a deep sigh of relief that any negatives were easy to overlook.

Yet, there were negatives. Sengun's finishing around the rim took a slide. He shot 51.9% on two-point field goals, the lowest mark of his career by a considerable margin. Sengun isn't a three-point threat, so it's essential that he's effective inside the arc.

Explanations varied. Some felt that Sengun was struggling to balance his new defensive effort and his previous offensive impact. Others blamed roster construction. If they were right, 2025-26 ought to vindicate them.

The Game Theory Podcast's Sam Vecenie recently pointed out why.

Rockets' Alperen Sengun should grow next to Durant

"I think that getting Kevin Durant is going to be pretty massive for Sengun...(it's) going to create so much space and opportunity on the interior for (him) that I think some of the finishing issues that we've talked about in the past are probably going to work themselves out for him"

- Sam Vecenie, The Game Theory Podcast

When it comes to Sengun's 2024-25 finishing, both explanations are partially true. He does need to fine-tune his interior scoring. Sengun has all the talent in the world, but, like many young players, he needs to polish his game. All his beautiful footwork doesn't amount to much if he's not putting the ball in the basket.

That said, defenses swarmed Sengun in 2024-25. He was the most consistent half-court scoring threat on the roster. Teams knew Sengun could beat them, and they didn't like to let it happen.

In 2025-26, that's going to change. Defenses will hone in on Durant first. Sengun ought to see plenty more opportunities in single coverage around the basket, where few defenses can stop him.

What should Rockets fans expect?

Rockets' Alperen Sengun has room to grow

Sengun's scoring efficiency ought to spike, but there's just as much reason to be excited about his playmaking. He'll still command a double team at times, but with Durant on the perimeter, other defenders won't be so quick to stunt. That ought to open up easier passing lanes for the talented playmaking big.

All told, Sengun should be looking at All-NBA consideration. He projects to be the second-best offensive player on a team that will be in the title hunt. It will only be harder to guard him with Durant in the fold, and Sengun was already flirting with All-NBA consideration.

Making the team would be quite the development for the young star.