Two-time league MVP Nikola Jokic has nothing but praise on Turkish center Alperen Sengun following their marquee Monday bout.
As the Houston Rockets clashed against the Denver Nuggets, the two European big men collided and had a splendid display with their talent and wits. As expected, Jokic ended up superbly with his efficient 32 markers, 12 boards, and eight assists, but he had time to give a well-deserved credit on what Sengun performed in front of him.
The second-year center withstood Jokic and had 18 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes, which were enough to hammer a solid impression on the side Serbian sensation.
“I think he’s really talented,” Jokic said of Sengun. “Maybe this is going to sound weird, but I think they need to play a little bit more through him. Sometimes they look a little bit more stagnant… with all their 3s.
“This guy has the talent. He can pass the ball, He can post up, he has the touch around the rim. You can see some different moves that he’s made.”
The talent and characteristics that Jokic has noticed in Sengun simply parallel them. As the Rockets’ big man is still growing at 20 years of age, there is still plenty of room to develop and hone to possibly reach that limitless potential.
Both Jokic and Sengun will meet again on Wednesday.
