78% of NBA Players Say Sengun Is Overhyped: Poll Reveals

By VirentaNews Staff — May 06, 2026

In a striking verdict from those who know the game best, 78% of NBA players surveyed by The Athletic have labeled Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengđun as the most overrated player in the league. Despite averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the 2023–24 season and securing his second consecutive All-Star selection, Sengđun received more votes than any other player for failing to live up to his reputation. The poll, which anonymously surveyed over 100 active players, underscores a growing divide between statistical production and peer respect—a rare and telling discrepancy in professional basketball. Coming from fellow athletes who face opponents nightly, the judgment suggests Sengđun may be benefiting from volume stats and media exposure rather than genuine impact on winning basketball.

Perception Versus Production in the Modern NBA

The controversy surrounding Sengđun reflects broader tensions in how player value is assessed in today’s NBA. While advanced metrics and All-Star nods often hinge on scoring volume and highlight-reel plays, many veterans and role players continue to prioritize defensive accountability, clutch performance, and team success. Sengđun’s Rockets, despite incremental improvement, missed the playoffs for the fifth straight season in 2024, finishing with a 38–44 record. Critics argue that his gaudy assist numbers from the center position—often the result of running high pick-and-rolls in a guard-heavy offense—are inflated by system and pace rather than elite playmaking vision. Meanwhile, his defensive limitations, especially in switching and protecting the rim, remain a liability in high-leverage matchups. As analytics and narratives evolve, the league faces an ongoing debate: should accolades reward individual flair or proven contribution to victory?

The Rise and Scrutiny of a Young Star

Alperen Sengđun, 21, was drafted 16th overall in 2021 and quickly emerged as one of the league’s most skilled young big men, blending footwork, touch, and passing reminiscent of past European greats like Vlade Divac and Pau Gasol. His breakout 2022–23 season earned him All-Rookie honors and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. The following year, he became the youngest center to start in an NBA All-Star Game since Dwight Howard. Backed by a growing international fanbase and heavy media promotion—especially in Turkey and among global outreach initiatives—Sengđun’s profile has risen faster than his team’s win total. While he plays with confidence and creativity, some peers believe the attention has outpaced his maturity on defense and late-game decision-making. Notably, in games decided by five points or fewer, Sengđun averaged 3.2 turnovers in 2023–24, the highest among all centers with at least 10 such appearances.

Behind the Numbers: What the Data Says

Diving into the analytics, Sengđun’s case is nuanced. He ranks in the 88th percentile in points per possession on post-ups, according to NBA.com/stats, and his 71.2% true shooting percentage in the paint is elite. However, Houston’s net rating plummets to -8.3 when he shares the floor with backup guards, suggesting a reliance on star teammates like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson to generate offense. Defensively, the Rockets allow 117.6 points per 100 possessions when Sengđun is on the court, a figure that ranks in the bottom 15% among all qualifying centers. Despite his high assist totals, only 28% of his dimes lead directly to three-pointers—the lowest among starting centers with five or more assists per game—indicating a lack of perimeter-altering playmaking. Analysts point out that while Sengđun excels in structured half-court sets, his impact diminishes in transition and against elite defensive units like the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets.

Impact on Team and League Narrative

The perception of being overrated could have tangible consequences for Sengđun and the Rockets’ trajectory. In a league where star power influences trade leverage, endorsement deals, and draft positioning, negative peer sentiment may affect how Houston is viewed in potential blockbuster deals. Opposing coaches may also feel emboldened to attack him in playoff-style schemes, especially in pick-and-roll coverages. For younger players, the poll serves as a cautionary tale about the gap between popularity and respect. Moreover, it raises questions about the All-Star selection process, which combines fan, player, and media voting—often inflating the status of players from smaller markets with strong narratives. If Sengđun cannot improve defensively or lead Houston into the postseason, the ‘overrated’ label may stick, hindering his long-term legacy.

Expert Perspectives

Opinions among analysts are divided. ESPN’s Zach Lowe argues that “Sengđun is being asked to do too much, too soon in a rebuilding system,” praising his effort and skill development. Conversely, former NBA defensive coordinator Mike Budenholzer has noted that “you can’t win in May with a center who can’t protect the rim or navigate screens.” Some players, speaking anonymously to The Athletic, said Sengđun “plays soft” and “doesn’t elevate when it matters,” while others commended his footwork and passing ingenuity. The consensus, however, leans toward belief that he has not yet earned his current standing among the league’s elite.

Looking ahead, the 2024–25 season will be pivotal for Sengđun. If he can reduce defensive lapses, cut down turnovers in crunch time, and guide the Rockets to their first playoff berth since 2020, he may silence critics. Otherwise, the gap between perception and reality could widen, making him a symbol of the NBA’s growing credibility gap between popularity and performance. The real test isn’t the All-Star stage—it’s April and May, when stats no longer tell the whole story.

Source: Reddit