Rockets’ playoff exit puts Alperen Şengün’s untouchable status to the test

The Houston Rockets’ comeback attempt has officially fallen short. They were eliminated in Game 6 of the NBA playoffs after facing a 3-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Lakers. It is a very disappointing result for a team that was facing an injury-depleted Lakers squad and entered the season with much bigger expectations than a first-round exit.

One player who will be questioned significantly after this early playoff exit is Alperen Şengün. The young center is without a doubt one of the most talented young players in the league, but with Kevin Durant sidelined for most of the series, many were expecting Şengün to step up and carry the Rockets to victory.

Şengün was not bad. In fact, his averages were mostly respectable. He finished the series averaging 21.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 47.1% from the field, 12.5% from three, and 68.8% from the free throw line. But with Durant sidelined and Houston fighting to save its season, Houston needed more from the young Turkish center.

Does Şengün have No. 1 upside?

Houston’s front office will need to evaluate what it believes Şengün’s upside is this offseason. Can Şengün be the best player on a championship team, or is he better suited as a second or even third option?

Şengün’s playoff averages were very close to his regular-season averages. Those numbers rightfully got him selected to his second All-Star Game, but they are also a step below being truly elite.

The obvious thing to consider is that Şengün is only 23 years old. Theoretically, he still has plenty of room for growth. But practically, unless he can develop a more consistent three-point shot or diversify his scoring arsenal down low, then his ways of growing are limited. He will never be a top-tier athlete, and that will always limit his defense.

Comparisons to Nikola Jokic are understandable. Both are skilled European centers with unusual playmaking abilities for their position, but with flaws on defense. However, expecting Şengün to turn into Denver’s three-time MVP would be unrealistic.

If Şengün cannot take the next developmental steps, then his defensive flaws and limited ability to put up huge scoring numbers might leave him closer to Domantas Sabonis than Nikola Jokic. Sabonis is a very good player, but no one would confuse him for the No. 1 option on a championship team.

Could Houston look to trade Şengün?

Last offseason, Houston was viewed as a prime Giannis Antetokounmpo suitor. However, getting Antetokounmpo would most likely mean giving up either Şengün or Amen Thompson.

Houston, understandably, balked at giving up one of its rising stars. Both players had an unknown ceiling and were considerably younger than the Bucks’ superstar.

After this playoff run, the Rockets may feel they have a clearer picture of the risks attached to building around Şengün as their offensive centerpiece. That could make the Rockets more likely to include the young center in a potential blockbuster for Antetokounmpo or another star who would give them a better opportunity to compete for a championship in 2027.

Would trading Şengün be giving up on him too soon? It is difficult to say. Houston is close to being a true contender. If internal improvement from Şengün is not enough to push them over the top, then trading him may be the best option.

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