Entering Monday’s game in Houston, the rebuilding Detroit Pistons (3-29) had yet to show the same progress as the Rockets (15-15).
One big reason is the breakout of Alperen Sengun. Known for his crafty moves and offensive creativity, the third-year center is drawing All-Star consideration while leading his team in points (21.1) and rebounds (9.2) per game, and he ranks second in assists (5.1) and field-goal percentage (54.0%) among qualified players.
Monty Williams, head coach of the Pistons, was asked pregame about the challenge of facing the Rockets. As part of his commentary, the veteran NBA coach spoke glowingly of Sengun, and even made a direct comparison to a pair of recent MVPs at the same position.
“He might be the best post-up guy in the league now,” Williams said of Sengun. “It’s like [Nikola] Jokic, [Joel] Embiid, and him.”
Young center Jalen Duren drew the assignment of defending Sengun on Monday. Detroit entered with some momentum for a change, having snapped a historic 28-game losing streak on Saturday.
Pistons coach Monty Williams on #Rockets center Alperen Sengun:
“He might be the best post-up guy in the league now. It’s Jokic, Embiid, and him.”
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) January 1, 2024
