The Houston Rockets traded up using two future draft picks in order to select former Turkish League MVP Alperen Sengun with the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Sengun instantly became a fan favorite with his “I’m so happy” meme, and H-town’s love for Alpie only grew from there.
Despite struggling for court time, especially early in the year behind Daniel Theis and Christian Wood, Sengun’s skills and advanced basketball IQ were on full display for everyone to see. From ridiculous passes out of the high post to a plethora of mini-Dream like moves in the low block, it only added to Houston fans’ love for the 6’9” big man from Turkey, and Rockets lovers on social media were demanding more minutes for the 19-year-old.