Rockets Sengun Taking Advantage Of Time On The Court With Wood

Brian Barefield | 12/5/2021, 2:17 p.m.
“We are learning to play together, and I think we have good communication,” Sengun said after practice on Saturday. “He …
Photo Credit/Houston Rockets

“Road trips,” was the answer received from Alperen Sengun when asked about the most challenging thing for him to adjust to with just over a quarter of the 2021 NBA season played.

If adjusting to different time zones is the most challenging thing that the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft faces in his first season, then the rest of the NBA is in trouble. Although he is only averaging 8.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, it is his court vision and play-making ability that amazes fans.

Sengun, 19, matched his career-high of 13 points in Houston’s win over the Orlando Magic on Friday, but it was his time on the court with center Christian Wood that could cause opposing teams’ problems as the season progresses.

“We are learning to play together, and I think we have good communication,” Sengun said after practice on Saturday. “He (Wood) finishes quick, which works well for my passing skills.”

After their fifth consecutive win on the season, Rockets head coach Stephen Silas alluded to a lineup that could see the two big men on the court simultaneously.

“Possibly,” coach Silas said during his postgame press conference. “They are both very skilled and very good with the basketball.”

Houston will be without point guard Kevin Porter Jr. who played one quarter against the Magic on Friday after reaggravating his left thigh contusion that caused him to miss three games this season. That will allow Sengun to get more playing time on the court with Wood on Sunday as the Rockets will take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Toyota Center.

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