Derrick White reveals what surprised him about Rockets' Green, Sengun

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has been one of the few bright spots on a Rockets team that is currently in position to have the worst record in the NBA for the second year in a row. The Turkish big man holds averages of 14.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 60.5 percent true shooting. 

Granted, it should come as no surprise, as Sengun played professionally in the Turkish league prior to entering the 2021 NBA Draft, and won the league's top honor, taking home the MVP, after averaging 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals in just 28 minutes of action. Sengun proved to be NBA ready right away, as he averaged 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a rookie.

Sengun has already racked up two triple-doubles this season and ranks sixth in total offensive rebounds, which is a great sign, as the 20-year-old will only continue to get better. The 6-foot-9 Sengun has drawn praise from several around the league, including Denver Nuggets two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who marveled at Sengun's all-around ability and stated that the Rockets should run the offense through the Turkish big man.

Derrick White reveals what surprised him about Rockets' Green, Sengun

On Friday's airing of NBA TV's NBA GameTime, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White became the latest player to praise Sengun.

"Sengun is tough. He's got a lot of different moves down there. He's tough to guard."

White also raved at Jalen Green's athleticism after seeing Green dish an acrobatic pass to Sengun against White's former Spurs team.

"He's athletic. I didn't even know he could pass like that."

Speaking of passing, Green has seen improvements in his playmaking this season, averaging 3.6 assists in 2022-23, over his 2.6 assists in 2021-22, in addition to his 21.8 points per contest.

Green and Sengun will face White and the Boston Celtics on Monday, March 13th, for the last and final time of the season.