The Houston Rockets surely made savvy offseason moves that excite the fans for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. The Kevin Durant trade, followed by the Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela additions, made the Rockets one of the favorites in the Western Conference. Despite the new additions, however, the most important member of the Houston Rockets remains All-Star center Alperen Şengün. If the Rockets are going to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder for the title, they will need a massive step forward from their 23-year-old star.
Fortunately for Rockets fans, Şengün is looking like he is ready to deliver. The Turkish big man has been working out in his home country all summer in preparation for EuroBasket 2025. Head coach Ime Udoka and veteran teammate Fred VanVleet both visited Şengün in Türkiye over the summer. The workout videos of the talented big man teases a massive breakout campaign for Şengün.
Alperen Sengun getting his groove back #Eurobasket2025 pic.twitter.com/OdkbCwBM3v
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 5, 2025
Alperen Sengun Getting Ready for an All-NBA Campaign for the Rockets
Coming off his first All-Star selection and postseason appearance, Şengün is poised to take another step forward in his age-23 season. Last season, Şengün took a big stride on the defensive side of the ball, earning Udoka's trust and anchoring one of the best defenses in the league. In the first-round series against the Golden State Warriors, Şengün proved that he wasn't fazed by the bright lights, averaging 20.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
Now the Rockets are hoping that Şengün can put it all together next season. Even though the Turkish star became an All-Star for the first time, his efficiency took a downward turn, ending the season with a 54.5% True Shooting. His finishing around the rim wasn't as good as the previous years, as he shot a career-worst 51.9% from two-point range.
If Şengün can increase his efficiency in the paint, combined with his defensive improvement, he can easily be an All-NBA-level player as soon as next season. The addition of Durant should ease some of his offensive burden and give him more space to work with. Having one of the greatest shot makers of all-time alongside him in the frontcourt will make Şengün harder to double team in the post and give him an ideal partner to kick the ball out to when he gets pressured.
Rockets fans will get a chance to see Şengün in action when Türkiye kicks off their EuroBasket journey against Kristaps Porzingis and Latvia on August 27.