The Rockets will likely have significant salary cap room in 2023, and longtime Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner has been speculated by some as a potential Houston target in free agency. Turner is a pending free agent, and he has Texas roots.
The argument against signing Turner, however, is Houston already has a promising player at center. At 20 years old and in just his second NBA season, Alperen Sengun is averaging 14.4 points (53.8% FG), 9 rebounds and 26.9 minutes per game.
While the 26-year-old Turner is the better player, especially as a shot blocker, it’s certainly possible Sengun closes that gap in the years ahead. If that happens, one person who might not be entirely surprised is Turner himself.
In a new interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson” of Bally Sports, Turner identified Sengun as one of his favorite players to watch in the entire NBA. Among his comments:
I like the kid from Houston, Alperen Şengün. I like the way he plays, and I like the way he carries himself. His court vision is crazy, and so he’s one of my favorite guys to watch.
Sengun had 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in Houston’s home loss against Turner and the Pacers on Nov. 18. The Rockets will make their visit to Indiana on March 9.
Pacers F/C Myles Turner tells me why he enjoys watching Rockets C Alperen Şengün: "I like the kid from Houston Alperen Şengün. I like the way he plays& I like the way he carries himself. His court vision is crazy and so he’s one of my favorite guys to watch."@BallySports pic.twitter.com/lA5BJJzlwd
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) December 15, 2022
