Houston Rockets middle Alperen Şengün was named an NBA All-Star for the primary time in his profession on Thursday.
Drafted because the sixteenth decide in 2021 from Türkiye, the 22-year-old is averaging 19.1 factors, 10.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per recreation this season, rising as one of many Rockets’ standout gamers.
The Rockets presently maintain second place within the Western Conference with a file of 32 wins and 14 losses, thanks largely to Şengün’s contributions.
His choice marks a historic milestone as he turns into solely the second Turkish participant in NBA historical past to earn an All-Star spot, following Mehmet Okur in 2007.
Okur had performed a key function in Detroit’s 2004 NBA championship run earlier than signing with the Utah Jazz, the place he developed into an All-Star. In 2007, he grew to become the primary Turkish participant to be named an NBA All-Star, acknowledged for his potential to stretch the ground as an enormous man.
Şengün was named among the many Western Conference reserves, becoming a member of a star-studded lineup that features Anthony Davis and James Harden. The Eastern Conference reserves characteristic Damian Lillard, Jaylen Brown and Pascal Siakam, amongst others.
Born on July 25, 2002, in northern Türkiye’s Giresun, Şengün started his basketball profession within the Turkish youth leagues earlier than making his skilled debut with Bandırma Kırmızı in 2018. He later joined Beşiktaş within the Turkish Basketball Super League, the place he emerged as one of many high younger prospects in Europe.
In 2021, Şengün was chosen by the Oklahoma City Thunder because the sixteenth general decide within the NBA draft earlier than being traded to the Rockets. Since then, he has developed right into a key participant for Houston, incomes reward for his footwork, passing potential and scoring effectivity within the submit. Often in comparison with conventional large males with fashionable versatility, Şengün has drawn consideration for his robust performances regardless of his younger age.
He has additionally represented Türkiye in worldwide competitions, competing in FIBA tournaments at each youth and senior ranges.
NBA All-Star 2025
The NBA All-Star Game, set for Feb. 16, will convey collectively 24 of the league’s high abilities, together with 10 starters introduced final week and 14 reserves chosen by NBA head coaches.
Each convention’s reserves embrace two guards, three frontcourt gamers and two extra gamers at any place.
For the Western Conference, Sengun joins fellow first-time All-Stars Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Williams, alongside seasoned veterans like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, who had been named starters.
In the Eastern Conference, rising stars reminiscent of Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley make their debuts alongside established names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum.
Eastern Conference starters
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Eastern Conference reserves
- Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
- Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
- Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
Western Conference starters
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Western Conference reserves
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
- James Harden, LA Clippers
- Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
- Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
- Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Source: www.dailysabah.com