As the NBA world prepares for the commencement of the 2023-24 season, one player is on everyone’s lips, Alperen Sengun. With his stunning achievements in his first two NBA seasons, the young Turkish prodigy has taken the league by storm. And his fame is only likely to grow higher, courtesy of some gushing comments from none other than former NBA sharpshooter and current ESPN commentator.

The NBA veteran spoke very highly of the 21-year-old on his podcast. He even hinted at the Kevin Porter Jr. potential departure and how it might affect the young prodigy.

JJ Redick talks about the Turkish prodigy’s bright future

On a recent edition of “The Old Man & The Three” podcast, JJ Redick didn’t hold back while discussing Alperen Sengun’s potential. However, known for his expert analysis and sharp insights into the game, he confidently predicted about the Turkish prodigy. He claimed that the Houston Rockets‘ budding star will be a household name in the NBA by his third season. But what is Redick’s reasoning? He believes Sengun will be the focal point of Houston’s offensive.

Redick said, “Sengun is a guy that, all of a sudden, I think after Year 3 will be a household name in the NBA. Houston is going to be more competitive. They brought in Ime Udoka. They’re going to have more structure, in the same way, that Jokic or Sabonis function as a hub for the offense, Sengun is going to do that for the Rockets.”

Redick’s comparisons to Jokic and Sabonis, two excellent NBA big men, tell everything about his hopes for Sengun. However, Redick also hinted at Kevin Porter Jr.’s possible departure, which might provide Sengun with even more opportunity to flourish.

Redick said, “There’s the additions of Thompson and VanVleet, guys who can really pass the ball and run an offense. To some degree, if I’m being honest, the loss of Kevin Porter Jr., I think that’s going to really benefit Sengun. I could see him having a Sabonis-type season.” But why does Redick have so much confidence in Sengun?

Read More: “Bro Breaks a Record Every Other Day”: 19-Year-Old Alperen Sengun Leaves Rockets Fans in a Frenzy With Record Breaking Game

Who is this Turkish prodigy?

Alperen Sengun has already had a huge influence on the NBA while being only 20 years old. His transition from football to basketball, which began in the lovely Turkish city of Giresun, demonstrates his adaptability and passion for the sport. Sengun’s towering presence on the court, standing at an astonishing 6 feet 11 inches, is matched by his enormous wingspan, which extends over seven feet. His ability to switch between power forward and center positions with ease demonstrates his versatility and adaptability.

Sengun had an immediate impact during his first season. He averaged 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 72 games for the Rockets. His stats have only increased with recent games averaging 13.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in a little under 30 minutes per game. Due to his notable gameplay, he received the title of the regular-season MVP of the BSL (Basketball Super League) on May 12, 2021. This acclaim further strengthened his determination to join the 2021 NBA draft, where he was selected in the 16th round by the Houston Rockets.

Sengun’s fame is rising, and basketball fans across the world are anxious to see what this young Turkish superstar can do next. Alperen Sengun is clearly a name to watch in the world of NBA basketball, with a bright future ahead of him.

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