After receiving injury news that was less dire than many suspected, third-year Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun appears to be relieved.
A scary fall late in Sunday’s win at Sacramento resulted in Sengun suffering a severe ankle sprain and bone bruising around his knee. All of the injuries are to the lower portion of his right leg, and the combination of issues could force Sengun to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, which only has about a month left.
None of Sengun’s injuries will require surgery, according to multiple media reports, which should put the 21-year-old on course to be fully available for the 2024-25 campaign and beyond.
In a message posted to Instagram in Turkish (his native language), here’s a translated English version of what Sengun said to fans:
I would like to thank everyone who called and supported me after my injury. Thank God, there is no problem with my knee. I will have a small treatment process because my ankle is sprained.
Feeling your support has given me strength. I will start working to come back even stronger than before, as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone.
Sengun averaged 21.1 points (53.7%), 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists in 63 games this season. The Turkish prospect, drafted at No. 16 overall in the 2021 first round, led Houston in scoring and rebounding, and his production has been crucial for the improving Rockets (29-35), who entered Tuesday with four wins in five games.
Sengun is under contract for at least one more season (2024-25), after which he could become a restricted free agent. He will be eligible for a contract extension from the Rockets this offseason.
