Jalen Green Agrees With Nikola Jokic: Rockets ‘Should Play Through’ Alperen Sengun More
One of the most versatile centers in recent history, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, spoke highly of the 20-year-old Houston Rocket center Alperen Sengun after their matchup Monday night.
The two-time MVP acknowledges Sengun’s improvement from the low post, which he believes can help spread the ball in different areas of the floor for the Rockets.
“I think he’s very talented. It might sound weird, but I think they should play through him more,” Jokic said per Sports Illustrated. “The man is talented. He can pass the ball, post up, has the touch, and is a good finisher around the rim. You can see different moves when he is playing. “
Lacing up against your idol 🤝 pic.twitter.com/k6c3exPesX
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 29, 2022
Sengun believes his game shares similarities to that of Jokic, and his play this season back up that talk. The 6’9” center currently averages 15.4 points, nine rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 blocks in the 17 games played this season.
Although it’s not the triple-double stats NBA fans are accustomed to seeing from Jokic, Sengun’s teammate Jalen Green believes the Rockets center has all the potential to run the offense to the similar all-around play of what Jokic does in Denver.
“I agree with what he is saying,” Green said on Jokic’s comment on Sengun. “I feel we will get a lot more open three’s running the offense from Alperen. It’s a lot of inside-outside game, and I think it opens up the middle of the floor for him.”
Solid night for Alpi 👏
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 29, 2022
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The Rockets are building a young talented group filled with athleticism and outside shooting. A player capable of handling all the offensive duties may soon push the squad toward playoff contention, but head coach Stephen Silas has to decide whether he wants Sengun to be that factor.
Considering the development in recent years of international players like Jokic or Luka Doncic, Sengun could potentially be added to the list as one of the most skilled offensive players in the League.