Ten days ago we had Turkish teen C-sensation Alperen Sengun visit us for a workout. He averaged 19/8.7/2/7 per game on 63.2% FG, along with 1.6 blocks, 1.3 steals and 2.4 TOs versus more experienced pros. Good handles, excellent skill, vision, and feel that's innate.
He's now most often linked to the Kings at #9, but I've heard some draft podcasts do mocks where he falls to us, and from the available selections Sengun is chosen for us because of rather lazy international player to the Spurs reasons. Meanwhile, the NBA MVP and FMVP are international on other teams. I don't mind the association, it's a compliment, but the reasoning wasn't explored beyond it.
I like Sengun but have my reservations. I don't really know how good the Turkish league is, and in reference to which does it stand out as better or worse. There's some debate about it on the boards here among international basketball fans and in articles. The general consensus is that Sengun is competitive, strong with a body that can still put on weight, has great touch around the rim, and has some nice post up and spin moves that trick defenders time and again. He's only 19 and held his own playing against older competition, so that in itself is a positive. He was named this league's MVP, another plus.
Although his game is more traditional, he has shown he can hit the 3 and is willing to stretch, although he has poor efficiency from the 3 this past season. He's not a defensive anchor, but again, young and willing, he's not oblivious to the defensive end. But whether he can keep up with the quick defenders of the NBA is a question.
He's very skilled in terms of the inside moves he has, and these are blended with a natural ability and agility to fake defenders. This feel, along with terrific court vision for very solid passing, and bull determination in rebounding make him a tantalizing package. Terrific FT shooter and gets to the line 6.6 times per game.
Just as the level of competition is a question - honestly, from the videos I've seen, the bigs in his league body up under the basket but don't really contest the shots anywhere near like they do in the NBA - so, too, is his height.
He's listed at 6'10" and although there are some smaller Cs in the league, they're bulls in addition to being very athletic whereas Sengun doesn't possess that bounce or above the rim play. But he may actually be around 6'9" (I mean, so was athletic in-his-own way Larry Bird; not that I'm comparing them, but talent finds a way to impose its game). His wingspan, on the other hand, isn't listed anywhere, which again, for a less above the rim player, you have to look at projection of extent of ability overcoming physical profile limitations versus opponents:
Whiteside is at least 7'0".
So will Sengun be more of a PF/C in the NBA? With our push towards more of a transition game (which rumours of our pursuit of Collins fits), where does Sengun's half court, post wizardry fit? Then again, having an intelligent player with a feel for the game you can't teach, great vision, excellent footwork, and a competitive heart, you have to take a long look. And you can't have enough versatility for opponents to deal with. If he's deemed BPA by PATFO, I trust it. The last interview I saw with him, Sengun needed a translator. Not a huge issue, but it initially is an additional step for both sides. If Sengun, Jones, and Moody are all available at #12, I wonder who we have listed as BPA overall.
PLUSES
He’s a dancer on the low post. He has unbelievable footwork, doesn’t predetermine his moves, and he can finish through tons of contact using either hand from difficult angles. He lives at the free throw line.
Sets strong screens and finishes at a high level on rolls to the rim thanks to his good hands and feel. He’ll use spins, fakes, and pivots to create space off the bounce. He can also finish loudly if he has space to leap.
Excellent passer with the upside to be an offensive hub. He facilitates from the post, the elbows, and even brings the ball up the court.
Untapped shooting potential: He shot nearly 80 percent from the line this past year and has good touch around the rim.
Heat-seeking missile as an offensive rebounder.
Good on-ball defensive potential if his athleticism improves in the pros. He has fluidity but needs to work on his technique.
Active off-ball defender. His hustle and spirit are major positives when projecting forward as he continues to hone his fundamentals and discipline.
MINUSES
He’s a nonshooter right now, but he has potential if he changes his mechanics—he has inconsistent footwork and it looks like his off-hand might be affecting his shot.
He’s undersized as a true center so it might be a challenge for him to battle on the post against larger bigs.
What is his position defensively? His slow feet and lack of verticality and length hold him back, meaning he’ll need to learn to be a positional defender.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft
