In an unexpected move, the Rockets traded two protected future first-round draft picks (via Washington and Detroit) to Oklahoma City for the draft rights to Turkish big man Alperen Sengun. The Thunder selected the 6-foot-10 big man on Houston’s behalf at No. 16 overall on Thursday.
“He’s a low-post scorer with the touch to someday become a threat from 3-point range,” Kevin O’Connor writes of the 19-year-old post player in The Ringer’s 2021 NBA draft guide. “Passing is his best skill.”
Sengun, who was in the green room at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, joins No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green as members of Houston’s growing 2021 draft class. The Rockets also entered Thursday with picks No. 23 and No. 24, which could give them up to our first-round selections.
Stick with Rockets Wire throughout Thursday night for reaction from Houston general manager Rafael Stone and interviews with each of the first-round draft prospects selected by the Rockets.
SENGUUUUUUN
Great pick and great value for the Rockets at #16. Brings a throwback interior element but has flashed major potential as a perimeter shooter. Green-Sengun-Wood has a lot of promise in Houston without too many clashing skills.
Video breakdown of Sengun's game:
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 30, 2021
