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OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Alperen Sengun – big man with huge upside

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Alperen Sengun (L) of Turkey in action against Andrey Vorontsevich (R) of Russia. (Photo by Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Alperen Sengun (L) of Turkey in action against Andrey Vorontsevich (R) of Russia. (Photo by Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder prospect series: Alperen Sengun (L) of Turkey. (Photo by Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

The annual OKC Thunder draft prospect profile series continues with European standout Alperen Sengun the focus of this segment.

Perhaps the greatest takeaway from this postseason is the reemergence of the big man. And, not just the ones who can spread the floor with 3-point shooting. Deandre Ayton has been as critical to the Suns’ progression as their All-Star backcourt.

In fact, most of the upper echelon features big men that are integral to their club’s success such as Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and the aforementioned Ayton.  While the performances of players like Brook Lopez, Kristaps Porzingis, Ivica Zubac, Jonas Valanciunas, and Rudy Gobert all were critical to their team’s playoff outcomes.

Adding fuel to the big man resurgence was how quickly the Celtics traded to bring back Al Horford after they failed to get out of the first round. Or the Raptors major regression in the East after losing both their big men (Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka) this past offseason.

While teams give extra credence to floor spacing centers greater emphasis is placed on bigs with defensive adaptability and advanced playmaking fundamentals.

Enter Alperen Sengun whose stock is rising and could be one of the biggest steals of the 2021 draft class.

OKC Thunder draft prospect preview for Alperen Sengun:

Specifics:

  • Height: 6’9″
  • Weight: 240 pounds
  • Position: Center
  • Birthdate/Age:  July 25, 2002, 18 years
  • International Team: Besiktas of the Turkish League
  • Stat line: 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.7 blocks
  • Home Town: Giresun, Turkey

Box Score Statistics:

Per Game Table
Season G MP FGA FG% 3PA 3P% 2PA 2P% FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK PTS
2020-21 29 28.3 10.8 .646 0.7 .190 10.1 .679 6.2 .812 4.1 5.3 9.4 2.5 1.3 1.7 19.2

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/13/2021.

Current Ranking:

For the first time in the series, the range provided on mock drafts varies beyond double-digits with Sengun listed as high as ninth and as low as 36th.

It’s typical for European prospects to not necessarily have as much hype but the big man is gaining traction and his selection is more likely to occur just at the end of the lottery or shortly after.

With that let’s dive a little deeper into Sengun to determine his strengths and weaknesses.

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