As the 2025-26 NBA season creeps closer, the Houston Rockets, perhaps more than any other team in the Western Conference, appear poised to give the Oklahoma City Thunder a run for their money and seriously compete for a championship.
Moreover, as Alperen Sengun returns from a historic performance, and a disappointing defeat, in this year's EuroBasket tournament, the team's most dominant player now has the motivation and experience he needs to help lead the team on that run.
Although Houston acquired Kevin Durant in the offseason, and he has certainly become their most versatile offensive player, Sengun's performance on both ends of the floor will be absolutely vital to the Rockets this season, and the intensity he brings could make the team an increasingly feared opponent.