Alperen Sengun's preseason debut proved he was not bluffing

Houston Rockets fans saw a different Alperen Sengun at EuroBasket, and the big man's vow to bring that version to the NBA is already coming true. The 23-year-old went nuclear in his first preseason game. Sengun only played in the first half, but still finished with 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two blocks in 17.3 minutes of action. The 6’11 big man looked unstoppable and displayed a few new wrinkles.

Sengun knocked down a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer as Kristaps Porzingis sagged off. It featured a beautiful stroke and was a welcome sign for a career 27.2 percent shooter from long range. Sengun followed it with a second triple. He was an All-Star in 2025, but the big man looks to be reaching new heights in his fifth NBA season.

Sengun made it clear during media day that EuroBasket was a stepping stone. He certainly was not bluffing after his preseason opener against the Hawks.

Alperen Sengun just further proved that a monster season is coming

Sengun said the following quote on September 29 at the team’s annual media day.

“EuroBasket was kind of practice for me to come over here for a huge season. I was testing what I can do over there, and at the same time, win the games. I wasn’t trying to do too much. I was just trying to do normal, so I can see what I can do and do it over here when I come back.”

Sengun averaged 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.1 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game as Turkey won the silver medal. He displayed a new level of shooting and playmaking that Rockets fans hadn’t seen. The 23-year-old has officially brought that to Houston.

Sengun will have a new level of space with Kevin Durant on the team. KD didn’t play in the preseason opener, but is healthy. This offense could be scary good even without Fred VanVleet, especially if Sengun continues to cement his leap as real.

Many believe the Hawks will finish in the top four in the Eastern Conference after adding Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. That did not stop Sengun from shredding them. His six assists to one turnover were impressive, and the 6’11 big man went a perfect seven of seven from the free throw line.

Sengun becomes unstoppable with the added playmaking and a reliable 3-point shot. He was lobbing to Clint Capela for dunks and making passes to the corner. He has never averaged more than five assists per game, but it is coming with Durant replacing Jalen Green in Houston.

Rockets fans should be ecstatic. The 23-year-old All-Star is ready to vault into superstar status and make Houston an annual title contender. The franchise desperately needs the added offensive juice with VanVleet likely out for the season. Sengun is ready to deliver, and fans got their latest glimpse on Monday night.

The Houston Rockets traded for Kevin Durant to make a serious title push. Alperen Sengun being their best player, with the future Hall of Famer on their roster, is a massive win. Judging by night one of the preseason, other teams should be terrified. Sengun has reached a new level and is virtually impossible to guard. He certainly wasn’t bluffing about his improvements.