For years, Alperen Sengun has carried a flattering yet diminishing nickname: “Baby Jokic.” It was a nod to his passing wizardry and unconventional style, but it also implied he was merely an imitation of the master. In the 2025-2026 season, however, that narrative has been shattered. The Houston Rockets center hasn’t just grown up; he has evolved into a singular force of nature, securing a massive $185 million contract, teaming up with Kevin Durant, and putting the entire NBA on notice that the “Sengun Era” has officially arrived.
From $200 a Month to $185 Million
To understand Sengun’s dominance, you have to understand his origin. Hailing from Giresun, a small Turkish town known more for hazelnuts than hoopers, his path to the NBA was improbable. At 12 years old, he left home to join a youth academy for just $200 a month, driven by a quiet ambition that defied his “unathletic” label.
“They said he was too slow, too soft… some scouts even claimed he was undraftable,” the video analysis recounts.
Those doubts fueled a relentless work ethic. By 18, he was the youngest MVP in Turkish basketball history. Now, at 23, he is an NBA All-Star with a max contract, proving that craft, IQ, and touch can still dominate in a league obsessed with vertical leaps.
The KD Factor: A Nightmare for Defenses
The seismic shift in Sengun’s career trajectory came via a blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Rockets. The pairing of one of the greatest scorers in history with one of the most gifted passing bigs has created an offensive juggernaut.
“Opponents are so terrified of Sengun in the post that they’d rather gamble on one of the greatest shooters ever getting a clean look,” the report notes.
Durant himself admitted, “I’ve never had the chance to play next to a big who can dominate in the post the way he does.” The synergy is undeniable. Houston boasts the number one offense in the league, with Sengun operating as the hub. His ability to thread needles to cutters or kick out to a waiting Durant has made the Rockets unguardable.
The Physical Transformation
Under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka, Sengun has transformed his body and his mindset. Udoka’s “tough love” approach pushed Sengun to improve his conditioning and defensive presence. Training at P3, an elite sports science lab, revealed a shocking athletic trait: extreme flexibility.
“Sengun could do a full split,” the video reveals. This flexibility allows him to pivot, twist, and slide through defenses in the post with a fluidity that 6’11” players shouldn’t possess. It’s not about jumping over people; it’s about moving around them before they can react.
Outplaying the Master
The symbolic passing of the torch happened not in the NBA, but at EuroBasket 2025. Leading Turkey against Nikola Jokic’s Serbia, Sengun didn’t just compete; he dominated. He dropped 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, outplaying the three-time MVP in a statement win.
“The baby Jokic nickname gone… he’s earned his own identity,” the commentary declares.
Conclusion
Alperen Sengun is no longer a project or a prospect. He is a franchise cornerstone leading a contender. With a supporting cast of elite defenders like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, and a co-star in Kevin Durant, the Rockets have all the pieces for a deep run. The “Baby” is gone. The monster is here. And the rest of the league is running out of time to figure him out.
