The Houston Rockets hoped to build their roster around Jalen Green.
Then, they thought Jabari Smith Jr. would turn out to be their franchise player.
Now, it’s become pretty clear that Alperen Sengun is their absolute best player and should be at the forefront of every single move they make.
Sengun has been the brightest player for a slightly improved Rockets team that seems to be headed in the right direction, but they are still a ways away from being a legitimate playoff team.
With that in mind, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal went out of his way to compliment Sengun, going as far as to compare him to a younger version of Pau Gasol.
Talking on NBA on TNT, Shaq discussed how Sengun is similar to Gasol in terms of energy, play-making, and how he’s able to give his team some extra possessions.
“He reminds me of a young Pau Gasol. … I would like to see him on a better team. If he was on a team that has a lot of talent around him, they would definitely do well,” O’Neal said.
"He reminds me of a young Pau Gasol. … I would like to see him on a better team. If he was on a team that has a lot of talent around him, they would definitely do well."@Shaq on Alperen Şengün 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/PcedQFW51K
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 28, 2024
Truth be told, it’s not that far-fetched of a comparison.
Sengun has smooth footwork, a high basketball IQ, is a willing passer, and he’s shown the potential to stretch the floor with his mid and long-range game, albeit he still needs to put in more work in that regard.
He could end up being a better version of Pau with his passing, taking a page from Nikola Jokic’s or Domantas Sabonis’ book.
Still, like Gasol did when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, he’s going to have to put in some more work on the defensive end of the floor, but he’s definitely en route to becoming a legitimate star.
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