Houston Rockets blasted upwards in many NBA power rankings, thanks to the acquisition of Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns but for Kendrick Perkins, there’s another player that make them legit contenders for next season.
The retired NBA player believes Rockets have a legit chance with KD in tow. Plus, they have a rising star in Amen Thompson. However, the main guy that elevates them is Alperen Sengun who is currently strutting his stuff in EuroBasket where his team Turkey is currently undefeated going to the semis and him an MVP front runner.
Sengun is being called ‘Baby Jokic’, a distinction that should be a big deal since Nikola Jokic is a three-time MVP. The similarities in their game is obvious but Perkins said Sengun is already a Top 5 big in the league.
“You know why? Not just because of the points, not just because of the rebounds and the assists, but he actually plays defense at a high level,” Perkins said in the ESPN’s NBA Today show.
“Watch and see how great he is in the pick-and-roll as far as him henging out his traps, being able to switch one through five, and slide those damn puppies. Alperen Sengun is the real deal.”
Perkins says Şengün’s ability to defend at a high level makes him a top-5 big
“He is a top 5 big in the NBA…Not just because of the points, not just because of the rebounds & the assists, but he actually plays defense at a high level.”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 11, 2025
Houston Rockets in latest Power Rankings
Critics are high on the Rockets this upcoming season, with Bleacher Report putting them just behind the current champions and the team that provided the hardest challenge on them.
OKC Thunder are currently no. 1 as they are expected to run it back without major changes in their line-up that was too dominant last season, finish with league-best 68-14 regular season record.
The Denver Nuggets are second in the power rankings. They are seen to be an improved version from last season after acquiring Cam Johnson and Jonas Valančiūnas and letting Michael Porter Jr. go.
The Rockets are third after improving many areas of their roster. Aside from KD, they also acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Capela who will be their main guys on defense.
Completing the Top 5 are the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
NBA.com’s John Schuhmann also put the Rockets at no. 3.
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