Rockets' end of year report card: Alperen Sengun

As we look back on the Houston Rockets' 2022-23 season, it's time to hand out some letter grades for each player's performance. In this first installment of our 2022-23 Rockets grades, we'll be evaluating the sophomore season of Alperen Sengun, who has shown significant growth and potential as a key player for the Rockets and potential to be a future star.

Alperen Sengun's sophomore season with the Houston Rockets began on a rather slow note. The talented young player's slow start can be primarily attributed to the coaching gameplans, which seemed to overlook his potential as a significant contributor on the court. 

Despite these initial challenges, Sengun displayed perseverance and adaptability as the season progressed. He worked diligently to improve his game, taking advantage of every opportunity he was given to make his presence felt on the court. This determination began to pay off during the west coast road trip in early January, where Sengun's performance took a noticeable leap forward.

Grading Alperen Sengun's second season with the Houston Rockets

The turning point during the trip for Sengun was when he got his first career triple-double against the Sacramento Kings, which signaled the beginning of his upward trajectory. As his performance continued to improve, the coaching staff took notice and began to integrate Sengun more into their game plans, allowing him to further display his growth as a player.

On January 16, 2023, the Houston Rockets suited up to play the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena. Al P showed out and had a career-high 33 points against one of the NBA's most storied franchises.

Sengun dominated the court with a commanding performance that also included 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks. His ability to excel in multiple facets of the game showcased his versatility as a player and earned him well-deserved recognition.

Throughout the game, Sengun displayed his high IQ, unique post moves, and flashy passes, allowing him to make decisive plays on both ends of the floor. This unforgettable performance not only solidified Sengun's place as a rising star in the league, but also signaled a turning point in his season, as he continued to build on this momentum in the games that followed.

From that pivotal moment on, Sengun continued to make remarkable progress, ending with season averages of 14.8 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. The upward trajectory throughout the season underscores his well-deserved A- grade, as he demonstrated significant improvement and the ability to adapt and thrive in the NBA. Looking ahead, we hope to see "Al P" hone his defensive skills and build confidence in his three-point shooting.

 Alperen Sengun is undeniably an exhilarating and flashy player to watch on the court. With his acrobatic dunks that leave spectators in awe, his ability to dominate the paint with elite scoring skills, and his ability to execute dazzling passes, Sengun consistently keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

The Turkish big man's unique combination of agility, creativity, and basketball IQ make him a captivating presence during games, as he consistently delivers highlight-worthy plays. As Sengun continues to develop and refine his game, his growing fan base eagerly anticipates even more thrilling moments from this budding star.

As the Houston Rockets gear up for a busy offseason, Alperen Sengun should undoubtedly be a top priority when considering critical coaching and roster decisions. His potential to become a cornerstone of the team is unmistakable, and with the right support and development, Sengun is poised to play an increasingly vital role in the Rockets' future success.

End of year grade: A-