Kevin Durant officially tipped off his 18th NBA season at preseason media day on Monday, and one of the main topics he addressed was his excitement about teaming up with Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion and former MVP, offered glowing praise of the 23-year-old big man.
“I have played with some bigs that are great at what they do, great role-playing bigs that can guard or post, that could set great screens, that can finish over the rim, that can block shots,” Durant said. “But I think Alpi can pretty much do a little bit of all of that and more, but also handle the ball as a guard in the perimeter.”
Durant, who followed Sengun’s run with the Turkish national team at EuroBasket 2025, said those international experiences only strengthened his new teammate.
“It’s always good when you get to play in that setting,” he noted. “It’s a tough brand of basketball. It’s a slower pace. You really have to play a half-court game in the EuroBasket. That makes you a better player. I think coming into year five and going through a playoff series, I think all of those experiences make a better and more confident player.”
For his part, Sengun is equally excited about the chance to share the court with Durant.
“I am really excited to play with him,” Sengun said when asked about Durant’s arrival. “I’m looking forward to working with him, learn from him, and winning games together.”
Sengun’s stock rose even higher this summer after his spectacular performance at EuroBasket. Averaging 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, he led Türkiye to a silver medal and earned a place on the tournament’s All-Star Five.
Reflecting on that experience, Sengun said, “I had so much freedom. Coach was giving that to me. And even the players were telling me. It was my country, my national team. It’s always a different job there compared to here.”
For him, EuroBasket was more than just a tournament – it was preparation for what he hopes will be a breakout NBA season.
“EuroBasket was kind of practice for me to come over here and have a huge season,” Sengun explained. “I was testing what I can do over there. And at the same time win the games.”
Türkiye’s magical run ended in heartbreak, as they fell to Germany in the gold medal game after entering undefeated. Sengun, however, said the journey was still rewarding.
“Being there and getting all the love from Turkiye. Turkiye is a big country, and the people are hungry for success from the national teams. I’m glad we gave them that. I wish we had won the title, but God doesn’t give everything at once. We need to be patient. We have a World Cup in two years, so hopefully we can do a better job there and make our country proud again.”
Alperen Sengun moves from #EuroBasket to the Houston Rockets, joins forces with Kevin Durant
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 30, 2025
“It’s a tough brand of basketball. It’s a slower pace. You really have to play a half-court game in the EuroBasket. That makes you a better player” – Duranthttps://t.co/xirUlfvtkL
