Alperen Şengün’s ascent as a rising NBA star is drawing increasing attention, and the “Baby Jokic” nickname underscores just how impactful his skill set has become. With his latest triple-double (22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists) leading the Houston Rockets to a crucial overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Şengün continues to showcase his versatile game, prompting comparisons to Nikola Jokić, arguably the greatest playmaking center in NBA history.
Kendrick Perkins’ endorsement of the nickname reflects the growing league-wide recognition of Şengün’s potential. As the youngest center in NBA history to record seven career triple-doubles, Şengün has carved out a unique position as one of the most promising young big men. His ability to facilitate offense, coupled with scoring and rebounding, mirrors Jokić’s multifaceted approach, though Şengün himself acknowledges that he has a long road ahead to step out of the shadow of the two-time NBA champion.
The Rockets’ faith in Şengün’s development is evident in their commitment to him through a five-year, $185 million rookie-scale extension. At just 22, he is poised to grow into a cornerstone of the Rockets’ future, particularly as they advance in the inaugural NBA Cup. As Şengün matures, the “Baby Jokic” moniker might evolve, but for now, it serves as a fitting testament to his rising stardom and style of play.
