In a recent interview, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka explained why the team does not show defensive clips of Marc Gasol to rising star Alperen Sengun. When asked about it, Udoka offered an interesting perspective on the comparison between the two big men.
“No, we did not show Alpy Marc Gasol,” Udoka said, per Drew Hill. “But if I’m not mistaken, I think he won (Defensive Player of the Year) and didn’t get first-team that year. If I’m remembering correctly, it was a weird year. I found it a little weird that (Gasol) got it. I remember playing against him a ton in San Antonio. So, I’ll leave that there.”
Gasol, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is often regarded as one of the league’s elite defenders during his prime, but Udoka’s remarks suggest there are mixed feelings about how his defense was evaluated. Udoka, having played against Gasol extensively in his own playing career with the San Antonio Spurs, hinted at his personal perspective on the award.
Sengun, who is in his fourth NBA season, is enjoying another strong year. The 22-year-old Turkish center is averaging 19 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5 assists in 31.4 minutes per game.
His all-around play has been a key factor in the Rockets’ success this season, as the team is currently sitting second in the Western Conference with a 25-12 record.
The Rockets’ improvement has surprised many, especially given their relatively young roster. Sengun has become a cornerstone of the team, and his development is a big reason for the Rockets’ elevated position in the standings.
