What Areas Does Alperen Sengun Need To Improve Heading into 2026?

Photo Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images The Houston Rockets have an opportunity to make a strong push in the Western Conference during the 2026 season. However, a lot of the team's success will be determined by how well the young talent on this team can perform, in particular, center Alperen Sengun. Last season, Sengun was solid for Houston, especially on the offensive end which huge for the Rockets as they were without veteran point guard Fred VanVleet for the entire season. In 2025, Sengun averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. On the efficiency side, Sengun shot 51.9 percent from the field, 30.5 percent from three, and 69.1 percent from the free-throw line. Overall, Sengun had a solid performance in 2025, but if he can be more efficient from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line he could create more spacing for the Houston offense and could potentially get close to averaging 25 points per game which would be a huge step. When looking at Sengun's progression, he has been able to improve in at least one area each season, which begs the question. What does Sengun need to improve heading into next season? For Sengun, the expectations could be a variety of things, but focusing on the offensive end, his ability to play through contact is something that could definitely use improvement, especially if he wants to lead the Rockets on a deep playoff run. On that note, in order for Sengun to play through contact, he has to be much more efficient from the free-throw line so he can take advantage of the opportunities when he is fouled. Additionally, Sengun's ability to space the floor from the three-point line is also something that could use some improvement. If Sengun is able to convert more consistently from three, that will force opposing defenses to devote more attention to him when he is on the perimeter, and it should also make his passing and penetration off the dribble that much more effective. In addition to Sengun becoming more efficient, he also needs to make sure that he keeps attacking the paint and the mid-range as a scorer and continues to be a playmaker for his teammates to ensure the offense stays in rhythm. While Sengun was the second scorer behind Kevin Durant last season, his impact as a passer and overall facilitator are critical and if he continues to be progress in those areas this offense should be able to take another step forward. On the defensive end, the Rockets should be in good shape with players like Amen Thompson and Steven Adams, so Sengun does not need to be elite. All Sengun really needs to do on defense is use his length to force tough shots on the perimeter and at the rim while also rebounding at a high level to limit the second-chance opportunities the Rockets' opponents can generate. So, heading into next season, if Sengun can convert more often from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, maintain his aggressiveness and playmaking, and challenge shots and rebound on defense, he should be able to take another step forward and possibly enter the conversation as a clear top-5 center in the NBA.