Udoka's Alperen Sengun comments should be encouraging for Rockets fans

The Houston Rockets are one of the most versatile teams in the league.

For the most part, that's a blessing. The Rockets have been running one of the biggest lineups in the NBA lately. Yet, if they need to go small and switch everything, they can do that too. This roster is lined with players who can play multiple positions.

Sometimes, that leads to difficult decisions for Ime Udoka. An opponent's lineup may call for benching one of the team's best players. Fans will be outraged, but Udoka is more focused on results.

Against the Sixers on Monday, he got results. Some fans didn't like the process.

That's what happens when you glue Alperen Sengun to the bench.

Rockets go small in win vs Sixers

Despite the game going into overtime, Sengun saw a meager 22 minutes of action in this contest. He sat most of the fourth quarter. The Sixers went small. They were overwhelming Houston with three-point volume, and Udoka decided to fight fire with fire by going with Jabari Smith Jr. at the 5.

It worked. The game went into overtime. Ironically, a late offensive rebound and basket from Sengun sent the game there. During the extra frame, his play led the day. Some fans felt that, in hindsight, Sengun should have been in the game from the onset.

That's understandable. Sengun is arguably the Rockets' best player - especially with Amen Thompson sidelined. Fans want to see the team's stars shine when needed.

Luckily, Sengun is a professional.

Rockets creating culture that's bigger than one player

Sengun wants to shine, too. He wants to be on the floor to help the Rockets win. He must have been livid, right?

"He stayed ready...(he was) obviously unhappy about not playing for a stretch there...(he) put on his game face and attack(ed) like he always does"

-Ime Udoka on Alperen Sengun

Interesting. Sengun wants what's best for the team. It's encouraging that he wants to be on the floor. Sengun should have the confidence to feel like he gives Houston the best odds of winning.

He should also have a professional attitude about sitting. If Sengun wants to secure 36 unconditional minutes of basketball per game, he needs to be matchup-proof. He's made incredible strides on the defensive end this year, but he can still be schemed out of games. Sengun also needs to develop his three-point shooting if he wants to stay on the floor when the Rockets need to optimize their spacing.

For now? Sengun is willing to sacrifice if it's best for the Rockets. That's a leadership quality. Fans are entitled to root for him ahead of the team, but they should know that he's putting the name on the front of the jersey first.

Sometimes, the Rockets will lean on their versatility instead of him.