For years, the Houston Rockets relied on the talents of James Harden to lead them to excellent records during the regular season.
After all, Harden is a generational talent and was one of the best scorers in the league during the prime of his career.
However, since Harden’s departure in 2020, the Rockets have been searching for their next star.
Well, one player who has developed into an excellent player is none other than Alperen Sengun.
Sengun is currently in the third year of his NBA career but has shown shades of stardom in his game.
Speaking of which, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently compared Sengun to a Lakers legend via ClutchPoints on Twitter.
“Alperen Sengun reminds me of a young Pau Gasol… I’d like to see him on a better team,” O’Neal said.
“[Alperen Sengun] reminds me of a young Pau Gasol… I’d like to see him on a better team.”
— Shaq 🗣️
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2024
O’Neal believes Sengun is showing shades of a young Gasol in his game.
Although Gasol enjoyed the best years of his career when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, he was still an elite player during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Following the trade, Gasol formed a dynamic duo with Kobe Bryant and helped the Lakers win two back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010.
Keeping that in mind, O’Neal wants to see Sengun join a better team in the future.
As of now, he has averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game for the Houston Rockets.
Unfortunately, these numbers haven’t really helped the Rockets be successful this season, as they remain the 12th seed in the Western Conference with a 25-33 record this season.
Will another unsuccessful season result in Sengun demanding a trade away from the Rockets?
Only time will tell.
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