Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun: Most Improved Player?

Alperen Sengun has taken major strides in his third season with the Houston Rockets.

HOUSTON - Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun has been out for a month after injuring his ankle on Mar. 10 against the Sacramento Kings. And while he likely won't play for the rest of the season, he has made a huge impact both on the league and on his team.

After averaging 14.8 points per game last season with the Rockets, Sengun increased his scoring average to 21.1 points, making him a candidate for the league's Most Improved Player of the Year award had he not gone down when he did. However, Bleacher Report is honoring him with their unofficial honor.

Mar 10, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) dribbles

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

"With career highs in points (21.1), rebounds (9.3) and assists (5.0) per game, the third-year center provided proof of concept that he could be full-time offensive hub," Bleacher Report writes. "A nasty-yet-skillful isolation game and slick passing made Sengün a tough cover all year who should have gotten more All-Star consideration than he did."

With the Rockets out of contention, it's likely fans won't see Sengun until the start of next season, but if he continues along the trajectory he's on, he will take another step in the right direction and push Houston back into the postseason.

The Rockets are back in action tomorrow night against the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT.