Adam Silver names Alperen Sengun to replace injured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in All-Star Game
Adam Silver has turned to one of the league’s fastest-rising big men to fill a sudden All-Star vacancy, selecting Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun to replace injured Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The move underscores how rapidly Sengun’s profile has grown. Once viewed primarily as a promising project, the Turkish center has evolved into the focal point of Houston’s offense, blending old-school post craft with modern playmaking. His selection is a nod not only to his individual growth, but also to the Rockets’ broader resurgence as a competitive, defense-minded group with a clear identity.
For Silver and the league, the replacement choice matters. All-Star rosters are more than a midseason honor roll; they serve as a snapshot of where the NBA is headed. Sengun’s inclusion highlights the continued rise of skilled, playmaking centers and the global nature of the sport. With his footwork, passing vision, and feel for the game, he fits squarely into the mold of bigs who can initiate offense rather than merely finish it.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence is a blow to the spectacle. He has emerged as one of the premier perimeter scorers and late-game closers, and his blend of pace, craft, and efficiency has powered Oklahoma City’s climb into the Western elite. His injury, however, opens the door for a different kind of stylistic showcase. Sengun’s presence should add variety to the All-Star environment, where guards and wings typically dominate the ball.
From a league perspective, this replacement encapsulates a healthy tension: honoring established stars while rewarding ascending talent. Sengun represents a new generation of international bigs who are not simply complementary pieces, but offensive hubs capable of shaping a franchise’s identity. His All-Star call, even as an injury replacement, will likely be viewed as a milestone both for his personal trajectory and for a Rockets organization eager to reestablish itself among the league’s marquee teams.
The move underscores how rapidly Sengun’s profile has grown. Once viewed primarily as a promising project, the Turkish center has evolved into the focal point of Houston’s offense, blending old-school post craft with modern playmaking. His selection is a nod not only to his individual growth, but also to the Rockets’ broader resurgence as a competitive, defense-minded group with a clear identity.
For Silver and the league, the replacement choice matters. All-Star rosters are more than a midseason honor roll; they serve as a snapshot of where the NBA is headed. Sengun’s inclusion highlights the continued rise of skilled, playmaking centers and the global nature of the sport. With his footwork, passing vision, and feel for the game, he fits squarely into the mold of bigs who can initiate offense rather than merely finish it.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence is a blow to the spectacle. He has emerged as one of the premier perimeter scorers and late-game closers, and his blend of pace, craft, and efficiency has powered Oklahoma City’s climb into the Western elite. His injury, however, opens the door for a different kind of stylistic showcase. Sengun’s presence should add variety to the All-Star environment, where guards and wings typically dominate the ball.
From a league perspective, this replacement encapsulates a healthy tension: honoring established stars while rewarding ascending talent. Sengun represents a new generation of international bigs who are not simply complementary pieces, but offensive hubs capable of shaping a franchise’s identity. His All-Star call, even as an injury replacement, will likely be viewed as a milestone both for his personal trajectory and for a Rockets organization eager to reestablish itself among the league’s marquee teams.
