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Alperen Sengun Could Join Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard in Rare Testament to Greatness

Published 11/25/2023, 10:49 PM EST

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With the tight competition for the in-season tournament, fans have forgotten about the All-Star game at Indiana next year. Right after the mini-season tournament comes to an end, the hoop fans will get busy selecting their favorite stars. Each year showcases a historic moment with the All-Star selections. This year, Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is just a hundred thousand votes away from creating one. 

The Turkish sensation now has a golden chance to join Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal and former NBA veteran Dwight Howard in an elite list. Can Sengun clear the 16-year drought to make history once again? Let’s take a look. 

Can the fans help Alperen Sengun create history? 

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21-year-old Sengun is averaging an impressive 20.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. The notable part here is he is shooting 56% from the field. In just his 3rd year in the NBA, Sengun has started to play a pivotal role for the Rockets, as they stand at the 7th seed in the West. 

USA Today via Reuters

It’s all in the hands of the fans now, to send the youngster to Indiana for his first All-Star game. But, what’s to be noted is that Sengun could join an elite list as the youngest NBA center to make it to the All-Star after Shaq and Howard. 

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Shaq made it to his first All-Star game when he was 20 years and nine months old, followed by Howard, who got selected in 2007 when he was 21 years and 2 months old. Now, Sengun is 21 years and 6 months old, which could make him the third youngest. 

NBA superstars share heavy praise Alperen Sengun

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At just 21, Sengun has went one-on-one against superstars like LeBron James, Rudy Gobert and Nikola Jokic. The best part is, he has given them some of the toughest battles. After his game against the Lakers a few days ago, James shared a few words on the Turkish star, “He is getting more comfortable in every game…He is a really good young piece”. 

Sengun has been often compared to Jokic for their similar play style. He is also nicknamed as “baby Jokic”. The Serbian center had a few words for Sengun as well, “He is a guy who is not selfish. He wants to play for the team and he wants to pass…I think that is going to benefit the whole organization.”

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We are probably just a few years away from witnessing another historic player! But before that do you think the Rockets center will make it to the All-Star? Share your take in the comments below.

Watch this story: “How Michael Jordan comparisons hampered multiple MVPs for LeBron James? Gilbert Arenas explains”

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Written by:

Rohan Dharmalingam

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I could have never imagined getting a shoutout from Los Angeles Lakers icon Shaquille O'Neal and the rap legend 50 Cent on Instagram. But they say 'Dreams Do Come True' right? This is what EssentiallySports has given me. Covering trade rumors, contract signings, lives of NBA superstars and legends has been my go-to thing.
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Edited by:

Smrutisnat Jena