By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Back in the playoffs following a five-year drought, the Houston Rockets seek a deeper postseason run compared to the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google and a first-round exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Picking up 37-year-old Kevin Durant during the offseason certainly confirmed ambitions.
During a media session after team practice on Monday, Alperen Sengun was asked to comment on Durant’s contract extension.
“We see how bad he wants to play, how bad he wants to win. I saw he got the pay cut, too. That’s important. We already know how much he cares about this team, how much he helps everybody. Just happy to see that. I’m not going to say anything about money; he has millions of dollars now. Still, congrats to him,” pointed out the 23-year-old Turkish center.
“We were already a good team, but with Kevin, we are such a better team now. He came here ready. He came hungry, like how we all are over here,” added Sengun.
Shortly before focusing on his fifth year with the Rockets, the Giresun native represented Turkiye in EuroBasket 2025. He had 21.6 points per contest to win a silver medal and earn a spot on the All-Star Five.
“That was kind of a workout for here,” he referred to recent FIBA experience leading into the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season, “I’m really excited to start this, looking forward.”
In the opener, Ime Udoka’s side challenges defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in Paycom Center on Tuesday.