Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets came agonizingly close to earning a spot on the All-NBA third team during this NBA season, missing the honor by just one point. His impressive individual performance stood out despite the Rockets not placing any players on the official All-NBA rosters.
Impressive Season Performance Anchored by Leadership
As the Rockets’ primary center and their only NBA All-Star this year, Sengun took a leading role in the team’s offense throughout his fourth NBA season. His efforts helped Houston secure the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. Sengun averaged a double-double with 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and added 4.9 assists per game, shooting nearly 50% from the field, reflecting his all-around skill and effectiveness on the court.
The Narrow Defeat in All-NBA Voting
The All-NBA voting process revealed just how close Sengun was to official recognition. He collected 40 votes for the third team and six votes for the second team, totaling 58 points. This made him the highest-scoring player not selected among the 15 players named to the All-NBA teams. Sengun was also the only representative from the Rockets to receive votes, emphasizing his role as the team’s standout performer.
Fan Reactions and Discussions Over the Snub
Following the announcement of the voting results, fans voiced their dissatisfaction on social media platforms. Many debated Sengun’s exclusion, with some asserting he deserved a place over Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams, who received 73 points in the voting. This exchange showed the passionate support from basketball followers and highlighted Sengun’s impactful season in the eyes of the community.
Outlook: Building on a Solid Foundation for Future Success
This season’s narrow miss for All-NBA recognition serves as both motivation and a clear indicator of Sengun’s potential. Having demonstrated remarkable talent and determination, he appears ready to build on this foundation and potentially earn future accolades. Sengun’s journey exemplifies a rising star learning from a close setback while aiming higher in upcoming seasons.