The Houston Rockets and Alpheren Sengun have officially entered a new era, one led by a blend of youth, length, and now, pure scoring greatness in Kevin Durant.
The team’s blockbuster summer trade for the two-time Finals MVP immediately changed the outlook of the franchise, bringing one of the game’s all-time elite scorers to a young, fast-rising core. For 23-year-old center Alperen Sengun, who’s spent years trying to slow Durant down, it’s a welcome change.
“Now I know how we were worried about guarding KD when we’re playing against him,” Sengun told ESPN’s Vanessa Richardson. “Now, we don’t have to worry about that [guarding KD]. Other teams have to worry about that. I am just gonna help him as much as I can, and I’m sure he will help everybody.”
“Now, we don’t have to worry about that (guarding KD.) Other teams have to worry about that.”
-Alperen Sengun #AllFire 🚀 @HoustonRockets | @SportsVanessa pic.twitter.com/04MZmNEcP9
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) October 6, 2025
Durant, entering his 19th NBA season, isn’t showing signs of decline after averaging 26.6 points per game on an absurd 53-43-84 shooting split last year with the Phoenix Suns. His arrival gives Houston the type of offensive consistency head coach Ime Udoka has been craving.
“You’ve seen the numbers… and the points that he averages, he kind of does that in his sleep,” Udoka said. “Just those two aspects alone will obviously improve our consistency across the board.”
Durant has been equally impressed with his new frontcourt partner, praising Sengun’s all-around ability and creativity.
“I have played with some bigs that are great at what they do… but I think Alpi can pretty much do a little bit of all of that and more,” Durant said.
Sengun averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists last season, earning his first All-Star nod, and followed it up with a standout showing at EuroBasket 2025, where he led Turkey to a silver medal. His passing touch and footwork have made him one of the league’s most exciting young bigs, and he’s eager to see how Durant’s presence will open up Houston’s offense.
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