Rockets must consider reuniting Alperen Sengun with this EuroBasket teammate

The Houston Rockets don't have the cap space to make any more substantial roster moves. They do have a roster spot open, and they should consider filling it with Alperen Sengun's FIBA teammate Ercan Osmani.

Some will beg to differ. Osmani is a 7-footer. The Rockets have a surplus of size. They need backcourt depth. Why should they target Osmani?

Well, for starters, we're talking about the last roster spot. If the Rockets fill it, that player is going to be a "break in case of emergency" guy. The Rockets' regular rotation for 2025-26 is solidified. If they bother filling that last spot, it'll be to take a flyer:

And Osmani is worth taking a flyer on.

Rockets should consider signing international star

Let it be said that the Rockets still need floor spacing. Despite his 7'0" frame, Osmani fits the bill. He hit 40.8% of his 1.9 three-point attempts per game for Anadolu Efes in 2024-25.

If you watched Osmani during EuroBasket, you know he's got defensive chops as well. Osmani handled Giannis Antetokounmpo with relative ease in Turkey's contest with Greece. It was an impressive performance.

Yes, it came in EuroBasket. Sure, that's not the same as NBA competition. To reiterate, this is a flyer on a 15th man. Osmani has proven himself worth that type of modest gamble:

Besides, there's another reason why signing him could be a wise decision.

Rockets' Alperen Sengun has chemistry with his teammate

Who's the most important player on this Rockets team?

Some will say Kevin Durant. Others will suggest that it's Amen Thompson. Still, you'll find no shortage of people who are quick to answer "Alperen Sengun" as well.

As it stands, Sengun's contract is likely to be one of the league's best for years to come. So, keeping him happy is paramount. Why not bring his teammate on board?

Besides, chemistry matters on the court. Sengun knows how to play with his countryman. They have experience together. Should the Rockets need to go to the back of their bench in the event of an injury, that'll benefit them as well.

Ultimately, the Rockets could go in a number of directions with their last roster spot. They could even simply keep it open. If they do want to fill it with a low cost player, options will be limited. Reuniting Sengun with an international teammate with a valuable skillset may be the best available option:

What else are they going to do?