Meet ‘Baby Jokic’: Kendrick Perkins Passes the Torch to Alperen Sengun and Promotion

In the grand scheme of things, being compared to a player like Nikola Jokić is a testament to Alperen Sengun’s immense talent and potential

However, Sengun is well aware that in order to truly make his mark on the NBA, he must grow beyond the “Baby Jokic” label.

For now, he accepts the nickname with grace, but in the future, he hopes to be known as more than just a young imitator of a legend.

The journey ahead for Sengun is filled with promise, and his evolution will be one to watch as he strives to build a legacy that is uniquely his own.

Alperen Sengun: Who Is He?

A Rising Star in the NBA

As Alperen Sengun continues to elevate his game in the NBA, comparisons to one of the league’s most dominant players, Nikola Jokic, are becoming more frequent.¹

While Jokic is an established three-time MVP, Sengun’s rapid development has led many to nickname him “Baby Jokic.”

The moniker has resonated within the NBA community, even gaining traction with media personalities like Kendrick Perkins, who has openly embraced the nickname after witnessing Sengun’s recent performances.

Early Career Ascension

Alperen Sengun, who was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft, has made an immediate impact as a young center.

Known for his exceptional basketball IQ, impressive playmaking, and ability to score from both inside and outside, Sengun has quickly become one of the most promising young talents in the NBA.

His smooth skills as a big man, coupled with his versatility, have prompted comparisons to one of the best playmaking centers in NBA history, Nikola Jokic.

Sengun’s skill set closely mirrors Jokic’s in several areas, particularly in his passing ability, court vision, and ability to control the flow of the game. Despite his youth, Sengun has shown maturity on the court that belies his age, making it easy to see why pundits and fans are excited about his future.

ERGİN ATAMAN!!! 🇹🇷🇹🇷

— Alperen (@alperennsengun) May 26, 2024

The “Baby Jokic” Nickname

The nickname “Baby Jokic” has caught on quickly across the NBA landscape. It’s not just a casual comparison but rather a reflection of Sengun’s emerging style of play, which is reminiscent of Jokic’s unique ability to blend size and playmaking.

The nickname gained significant attention after Sengun’s stellar performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

In a thrilling 117-111 overtime victory, the Houston Rockets secured their spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, thanks in large part to Sengun’s all-around play.

Sengun posted a remarkable triple-double, recording 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. His performance highlighted his versatility and cemented his status as one of the best young centers in the league.

Following the game, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins took to X/Twitter to express his admiration for Sengun’s performance, declaring that he would start calling Sengun “Baby Jokic” in recognition of his playmaking prowess.

Alperen Sengun’s Growing Reputation

Sengun’s third triple-double of the season against the Timberwolves added to his growing reputation as one of the most skilled and versatile big men in the league.²

At just 22 years old, Sengun became the youngest center in NBA history to amass seven career triple-doubles, according to StatMamba. This milestone places him in elite company, further solidifying his status as one of the top up-and-coming players in the NBA.

Sengun’s ability to fill the stat sheet in a variety of ways is what makes him so special. His vision and creativity as a passer allow him to make plays that many centers are unable to execute.

Whether it’s throwing an accurate outlet pass, orchestrating offense from the high post, or finding cutters in traffic, Sengun has a remarkable ability to facilitate for his teammates.

His court awareness and feel for the game are reminiscent of Jokic, who is widely regarded as one of the best playmaking bigs in the NBA.

Jokic’s Influence on Sengun’s Game

Nikola Jokic has set the bar for playmaking centers, and his success in recent years has likely served as a model for Sengun’s development. Jokic’s unique skill set has reshaped how we view big men in the NBA, and Sengun is one of the young players benefiting from this shift in the game’s evolution.

While Jokic has proven to be one of the best playmakers ever, Sengun is still in the early stages of his career.

However, his style of play shows that he is capable of becoming one of the best all-around centers in the game.

Like Jokic, Sengun is not just a traditional post player but a modern big who can stretch the floor, pass, and rebound. These qualities are rare for players of his size and make him an exciting prospect for the future of the league.

Alperen Sengun: Confidence in His Future

The Houston Rockets’ faith in Sengun is evident, as they recently awarded him a five-year, $185 million rookie-scale contract extension.³

This extension reflects their belief that Sengun is a foundational piece for the franchise and a key player in their rebuilding efforts. As the Rockets continue to develop their young core, Sengun is expected to play a central role in their growth.

Sengun’s contract extension also signals the Rockets’ long-term commitment to him as one of the cornerstones of their roster.

With the addition of other young stars such as Jalen Green and Amen Thompson, Sengun has the opportunity to grow alongside a talented group of players who could help the Rockets return to playoff contention in the near future.

Comparing Sengun to Jokic

Despite the excitement surrounding Sengun’s rise, it’s important to note that he still has a long way to go before achieving the level of success that Nikola Jokic has enjoyed in his career.

Jokic, who has already won three MVP awards and led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship, has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest centers of all time.

While Sengun is undoubtedly talented, he will need to continue developing his game in several areas. He will have to refine his scoring consistency, improve his defensive abilities, and grow as a leader on the court.

Jokic’s success has been built on years of experience and continuous improvement, and Sengun will need to follow a similar trajectory to reach that level of excellence.

Additionally, the Houston Rockets are still in the early stages of their rebuild, and Sengun will need to be part of a team that can compete at the highest level. Jokic’s MVP seasons and his championship run with the Nuggets were aided by a strong supporting cast, and Sengun will need similar help to achieve comparable success.

The NBA Cup and Sengun’s Impact on the Rockets

Sengun’s performance in the NBA Cup has been a key factor in the Houston Rockets’ success this season.

The Rockets clinched their group with a 3-0 record and earned a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, a significant achievement for a young team that is still finding its footing in the league. Sengun’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments is a testament to his growth and maturity as a player.

As the Rockets advance to the quarterfinals, Sengun will be expected to continue leading by example. His all-around game, combined with his leadership on the court, makes him a critical piece of Houston’s future. If Sengun continues to develop and perform at this high level, he could very well become one of the NBA’s top centers in the coming years.

Alperen Sengun and the “Baby Jokic” Nickname

In the world of basketball, comparisons are often drawn between young players and established superstars.

For Alperen Sengun, the 21-year-old center for the Houston Rockets, one of the most common comparisons is to reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokić.

With their similar playing styles, many have taken to calling Sengun “Baby Jokic.” However, the nickname, though flattering, raises an interesting discussion about identity, development, and the expectations placed on young players in the NBA.

The Origins of the “Baby Jokic” Nickname

The nickname “Baby Jokic” became a natural fit for Alperen Sengun due to his playing style, which mirrors that of Nikola Jokić in several key ways.

Both players are skilled big men with remarkable court vision, exceptional passing ability, and an uncanny feel for the game. Sengun, like Jokić, is not just a traditional center focused on scoring inside but a versatile playmaker who can create opportunities for his teammates.

This comparison became increasingly apparent during Sengun’s early seasons in the NBA, where his skill set seemed to align with that of the two-time MVP.

From a technical perspective, both players are known for their ability to orchestrate offenses from the post, using an array of deceptive passes and high basketball IQ to break down defenses.

While Jokić is more established and has led the Denver Nuggets to championship success, Sengun’s style has led many to draw the inevitable comparison between the two, earning him the affectionate, yet sometimes limiting, moniker of “Baby Jokic.”

Alperen Sengun: Acknowledgment with a Grain of Salt

Alperen Sengun, who was born in Turkey and has steadily been improving his game since joining the NBA, has made it clear that he does not mind the “Baby Jokic” nickname for now.

In an interview on the podcast The Old Man and the Three, Sengun openly addressed the comparison, saying that he is fine with the nickname while acknowledging that it reflects his early playing style. “I mean, no. Not for now. I am still young, but after some point, yeah,” Sengun stated when asked if the nickname bothered him.

Sengun’s response suggests that he sees the nickname as a temporary label—a way for fans and pundits to express the similarities between him and the Serbian MVP. He is aware of the comparison but does not allow it to define him.

For now, Sengun embraces it as part of the journey, understanding that he is still in the developmental phase of his career. However, as he continues to evolve and grow in the league, he envisions a time when the nickname will no longer apply.

Alperen Sengun: Promotion

Alperen Sengun promoting Turkish Airlines on his official instagram account, where they explore Türkiye’s culture, flavors and nature.

 

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The Challenges of Being Compared to a Superstar

• While being compared to a player like Nikola Jokić can certainly be flattering, it also comes with its own set of challenges.
• Jokić is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, and the expectations that come with such comparisons can be daunting for a young player like Sengun.
• The media and fans often place immense pressure on up-and-coming talents to live up to the hype, and comparisons to established stars can unintentionally create unrealistic expectations.
• For Sengun, the “Baby Jokic” tag could be seen as both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it provides him with recognition and validation, signaling that he possesses unique talents that set him apart from other young big men in the league.
• On the other hand, the comparison risks overshadowing Sengun’s individuality as a player, turning him into a mere imitator of a current star rather than an emerging force in his own right.
• Additionally, there is a danger that Sengun could be unfairly judged based on his resemblance to Jokić rather than his own merits.
• Young players in the NBA often face this dilemma: they are expected to have a similar impact to established superstars but are still learning and adjusting to the professional level. For Sengun, the key will be carving out his own identity while continuing to develop his skills and consistency.