Alperen Şengün: A Post-All-Star Break Revelation for the Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets, like many teams, have experienced their share of peaks and valleys this season. However, a particularly encouraging trend has emerged with young center Alperen Şengün. Since the All-Star break, Şengün has demonstrated a noticeable increase in efficiency, achieving more with fewer shot attempts – a sign of significant growth and improved basketball IQ.
Efficiency Gains: Less is More
While his scoring average has seen a slight dip, from 20.7 to 20.4 points per game (according to NBA Stats), the key lies in how he’s scoring. Şengün is now averaging 1.7 fewer shot attempts per game. This seemingly small adjustment has yielded a substantial improvement in his field goal percentage. Before February 11th, he shot 49.7% from the field. Post-All-Star break, that number has soared to an impressive 57.9%. This is a crucial development for a big man whose impact is largely felt in the paint.
It’s always concerning to see big men struggling with shot accuracy, especially when their scoring relies heavily on close-range opportunities. Şengün’s season average of 52.2% is already a solid figure, but this recent surge indicates a player truly finding his rhythm.
Beyond the Arc: Confidence and Consistency
This improvement isn’t solely attributable to a sudden hot streak from three-point range. While his three-point percentage has increased from 29.9% to 35.1%, he’s only taking a marginally fewer number of attempts (1.9 pre-All-Star vs. 1.7 post-All-Star). The real catalyst appears to be patience and a more discerning shot selection process.
Şengün is no longer forcing shots; instead, he’s choosing higher-percentage opportunities. This approach not only boosts his overall efficiency but also makes his outside shots easier when he does take them, as they are now born from confidence and a more fluid offensive flow. He even discussed this newfound confidence in a recent postgame interview (example link, replace with actual interview link).
Areas for Continued Growth: Free Throw Struggles
However, there’s still room for improvement. Free throw shooting remains an area of concern. Şengün’s free throw percentage has decreased slightly, from 69.1% on 5.8 attempts to 67% on 4.5 attempts. Consistency at the free throw line is vital, and the Rockets will undoubtedly be working with Şengün to address this aspect of his game. Improving his free throw percentage will unlock another dimension to his offensive arsenal and make him an even more formidable player. You can find more analysis on NBA player development at NBA.com.
Looking Ahead
Alperen Şengün’s post-All-Star performance is a promising sign for the future of the Houston Rockets. His commitment to smarter shot selection, coupled with his growing confidence, suggests a player on the cusp of becoming a true star. The Rockets will need continued consistency from Şengün, particularly at the free throw line, to maximize their potential and build towards a successful future.
