The Houston Rockets and Alpheren Sengun officially entered a new era, a fusion of purely excellent scores by youngsters, length and now Kevin Durant.
The team's two-final MVP's summer trade immediately changed the team's outlook, which made one of the elite scorers in the game a core of a young, fast-elevating escalation. For 23-year-old center Alperen Sengun, he spent years trying to slow down Durant, which was a welcome change.
“Now I know how we worry about guarding KD,” Sengun told ESPN's Vanessa Richardson. “Now, we don't have to worry about it.” [guarding KD]. Other teams have to worry about this. I will do my best to help him and I believe he will help everyone. ”
“Now, we don't have to worry about (guarding KD.) other teams don't have to worry about this.”
-Alperen Sengun #allfire 🚀 @HoustonRockets | @Sportsvanessa pic.twitter.com/04mzmnecp9
– Space City Family Network (@spacecityhn) October 6, 2025
Durant entered his 19th NBA season, averaging 26.6 points per game on his ridiculous 53-43-43-84 shooting percentage last year with the Phoenix Suns, showing no signs of a decline. His arrival made Houston the type that offensive consistency head coach Ime Udoka has been craving.
“You've seen the numbers … and his average view, he did that in his sleep,” Udoka said. “Those two aspects alone obviously improve our consistency.”
Durant also impressed by his new prospects partner, praising Sengun's all-round ability and creativity.
“I've played some big guys that I've been good at…but I think Alpi can do almost all of this, and there's more,” Durant said.
Sengun averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists last season, earning his first All-Star nod before holding a standout performance at Eurobasket 2025, leading Turkey to a silver medal. His passes and footwork make him one of the league's most exciting young big men, eager to see how Durant's appearance opens up Houston's offense.
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