Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has been selected as an NBA All-Star replacement for the injured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 23-year-old Turkish player will join Team World for the February 15 game in Los Angeles. This marks Sengun's second All-Star appearance and pairs him with teammate Kevin Durant.
The NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for February 15 in Los Angeles, gained a new participant on Sunday when commissioner Adam Silver announced Alperen Sengun as a replacement for Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, suffered an abdominal injury on February 3 against the Orlando Magic and will be reevaluated after the All-Star break.
Sengun, the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, was overlooked in the initial All-Star selections despite averaging All-Star caliber numbers. In 44 games this season, he has posted 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, shooting 49.6% from the field. He also contributes just over one block and one steal per contest. These offensive figures surpass those of Chet Holmgren, who earned an initial spot, though Holmgren excels defensively.
A two-time NBA Rising Star in 2022 and 2023, Sengun becomes the only draft pick from the Rockets' rebuild era to reach All-Star status. He recently recorded his second triple-double of the season in a 118-114 victory over the Thunder on Saturday. However, his defensive growth remains a focus; Rockets coach Ime Udoka recently criticized Sengun and the team for defensive lapses after a loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
Sengun has battled lower-body injuries, including a right ankle sprain on January 3 that sidelined him for eight days instead of the expected two weeks. He returned early and played through discomfort, which may have affected his consistency earlier in the year. Now healthier, he joins Team World alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jamal Murray, Pascal Siakam, and Deni Avdija.
This selection creates the first Rockets All-Star duo since James Harden and Russell Westbrook in 2020, highlighting the team's progress amid their rebuild.
