Who Would You Rather Have: Jalen Duren Or Alperen Sengun?

[GoBobs]

Both are good players that are difficult fits, and to me both really have to play the center position.

Duren is playing PF right now. It probably isn't a winning recipe once you become a playoff level team. At center he is undersized and isn't much more of a rim protector than Sengun. Both guys averaged the same number of blocks per game last year, similar block rate, blocks per 36 min ect.

His biggest attribute is his motor, but his ceiling will be limited by skills unless he can improve them.

Sengun is limited by his defensive mobility, but he has a lot more potential on offense. You can run more offense through him because he can find teammates. He isn't the athlete Duren is but he is scrappy enough on defense that the difference isn't as big as you would think.

So both are good, but Sengun is a slightly easier fit and has higher upside.

[7r5ur]

Both are good players that are difficult fits, and to me both really have to play the center position.

Duren is playing PF right now. It probably isn't a winning recipe once you become a playoff level team. At center he is undersized and isn't much more of a rim protector than Sengun. Both guys averaged the same number of blocks per game last year, similar block rate, blocks per 36 min ect.

His biggest attribute is his motor, but his ceiling will be limited by skills unless he can improve them.

Sengun is limited by his defensive mobility, but he has a lot more potential on offense. You can run more offense through him because he can find teammates. He isn't the athlete Duren is but he is scrappy enough on defense that the difference isn't as big as you would think.

So both are good, but Sengun is a slightly easier fit and has higher upside.

Duren definitely is not playing power forward. He is very clearly the center and Stewart is the PF. He hasn't played PF for 1 second this season and he only rarely did as a rookie when Casey got it into his mind to play him next to Wiseman . Again, Stewart is a power forward.

I also don't really think 6-10 with a 7-5 wingspan and 250lb (19 years old so still growing BTW) with absurd athleticism is exactly "undersized" in today's NBA. Feels like maybe you're thinking of another player or something.

[Ambrose]

I don't think a modern NBA team can work without a good paint protector at C. So I think Duren. Though I also think you need some semblance of a shot.

Post game heavy centers with no defense are dinosaurs in today's NBA. Give me Duren

But isn't this like Dwight Howard lite vs Nikola Jokic lite argument?

Both have similar skillsets.

Sengun isn't Jokic. And the only reason it even works with Jokic is because he has about as perfect as a team surrounding him as you could ask for (for which Denver deserves a LOT of credit... this is how you build around someone).

I have no doubt Sengun will continue to develop, but I like the potential of Duren a lot more. He's already doing some really great things at such a young age and if you polish his game out, he could be a top 5 center in the league one day.

What?

[Iwasawitness]

But isn't this like Dwight Howard lite vs Nikola Jokic lite argument?

Both have similar skillsets.

Sengun isn't Jokic. And the only reason it even works with Jokic is because he has about as perfect as a team surrounding him as you could ask for (for which Denver deserves a LOT of credit... this is how you build around someone).

I have no doubt Sengun will continue to develop, but I like the potential of Duren a lot more. He's already doing some really great things at such a young age and if you polish his game out, he could be a top 5 center in the league one day.

What?

Jokic has the perfect second option for a player like him, he's got multiple great wing options both in the starting unit and off the bench, and Aaron Gordon is possibly the best PF option to put next to him.

Both are good players that are difficult fits, and to me both really have to play the center position.

Duren is playing PF right now. It probably isn't a winning recipe once you become a playoff level team. At center he is undersized and isn't much more of a rim protector than Sengun.

Duren? Playing at PF? Did I miss something here?

[WillyJakkz]

Sengun isn't Jokic. And the only reason it even works with Jokic is because he has about as perfect as a team surrounding him as you could ask for (for which Denver deserves a LOT of credit... this is how you build around someone).

I have no doubt Sengun will continue to develop, but I like the potential of Duren a lot more. He's already doing some really great things at such a young age and if you polish his game out, he could be a top 5 center in the league one day.

What?

Jokic has the perfect second option for a player like him, he's got multiple great wing options both in the starting unit and off the bench, and Aaron Gordon is possibly the best PF option to put next to him.

I agree. I think if HOU can trade for say a Jerami Grant he could effectively play the Aaron Gordon role, move Jabari Smith Jr to SF a la Michael Porter Jr and FVV plays a Murray type of role they essentially have a discount Nuggets team.

Lots of if's but personally I think HOU is very talented they just have the wrong type of players to maximize their team, starting with Jalen Green.

Sengun misses out on alot of opportunities due to him or poor defensive rotation which usually isn't his fault.

[Iwasawitness]

What?

Jokic has the perfect second option for a player like him, he's got multiple great wing options both in the starting unit and off the bench, and Aaron Gordon is possibly the best PF option to put next to him.

I agree. I think if HOU can trade for say a Jerami Grant he could effectively play the Aaron Gordon role, move Jabari Smith Jr to SF a la Michael Porter Jr and FVV plays a Murray type of role they essentially have a discount Nuggets team.

Lots of if's but personally I think HOU is very talented they just have the wrong type of players to maximize their team, starting with Jalen Green.

Sengun misses out on alot of opportunities due to him or poor defensive rotation which usually isn't his fault.

Hmm, intriguing. I don't really think of Houston as being a team that are trades away from having major potential, but I like the idea of Jerami Grant being on that team with the personal you just mentioned. I still think Houston would be missing key players. I also think Jalen Green deserves more time first before they totally give up on him. Do you think VanVleet fits well in this equation? I personally don't see it given his age.

[zeebneeb]

Both are good players that are difficult fits, and to me both really have to play the center position.

Duren is playing PF right now. It probably isn't a winning recipe once you become a playoff level team. At center he is undersized and isn't much more of a rim protector than Sengun. Both guys averaged the same number of blocks per game last year, similar block rate, blocks per 36 min ect.

His biggest attribute is his motor, but his ceiling will be limited by skills unless he can improve them.

Sengun is limited by his defensive mobility, but he has a lot more potential on offense. You can run more offense through him because he can find teammates. He isn't the athlete Duren is but he is scrappy enough on defense that the difference isn't as big as you would think.

So both are good, but Sengun is a slightly easier fit and has higher upside.

I am unsure of you have watched even 1 second of Jalen Duren.

I mean that with 100% sincerity.

[Ambrose]

Sengun isn't Jokic. And the only reason it even works with Jokic is because he has about as perfect as a team surrounding him as you could ask for (for which Denver deserves a LOT of credit... this is how you build around someone).

I have no doubt Sengun will continue to develop, but I like the potential of Duren a lot more. He's already doing some really great things at such a young age and if you polish his game out, he could be a top 5 center in the league one day.

What?

Jokic has the perfect second option for a player like him, he's got multiple great wing options both in the starting unit and off the bench, and Aaron Gordon is possibly the best PF option to put next to him.

Both are good players that are difficult fits, and to me both really have to play the center position.

Duren is playing PF right now. It probably isn't a winning recipe once you become a playoff level team. At center he is undersized and isn't much more of a rim protector than Sengun.

Duren? Playing at PF? Did I miss something here?

They're a good fit around him, but perfect? Not a chance. He's never played with an all star or DPOY type guy ever. Without Jokic Denver isn't any good. The reason Denver is good is not because the fit of the cast is good, it's because Jokic is the best player in the **** world.

[WillyJakkz]

Jokic has the perfect second option for a player like him, he's got multiple great wing options both in the starting unit and off the bench, and Aaron Gordon is possibly the best PF option to put next to him.

I agree. I think if HOU can trade for say a Jerami Grant he could effectively play the Aaron Gordon role, move Jabari Smith Jr to SF a la Michael Porter Jr and FVV plays a Murray type of role they essentially have a discount Nuggets team.

Lots of if's but personally I think HOU is very talented they just have the wrong type of players to maximize their team, starting with Jalen Green.

Sengun misses out on alot of opportunities due to him or poor defensive rotation which usually isn't his fault.

Hmm, intriguing. I don't really think of Houston as being a team that are trades away from having major potential, but I like the idea of Jerami Grant being on that team with the personal you just mentioned. I still think Houston would be missing key players. I also think Jalen Green deserves more time first before they totally give up on him. Do you think VanVleet fits well in this equation? I personally don't see it given his age.

Yeah FVV age wise doesn't fit but skill wise sure as he has the ability to play off ball and hit 3's and drive as well.

I think Green has talent but once they've transformed the team and the lack of success and growth they've shown in his time there kinda points towards him not changing how he plays.

I think that's why they drafted Thompson Twin because it seems like HOU is leaning towards Alperen and Smith Jr as their future.

And yeah Grant fits in well with them considering I can see Portland hanging up the for sale sign on plenty of guys as they rebuild their team.

[MrBigShot]

Duren

[Frank Dux]

I might have to eat crow for this later, but i always felt like Sengun was overhyped along with the rest of the Rockets young core. I’m sure he’ll have a fine, and long NBA career, but he seems slow footed and looks kinda clunky. I just don't think it’s likely he’ll be a good defensive center. I'm getting Enes Kanter vibes.

[NBA4Lyfe]

I don't think a modern NBA team can work without a good paint protector at C. So I think Duren. Though I also think you need some semblance of a shot.

Post game heavy centers with no defense are dinosaurs in today's NBA. Give me Duren

But isn't this like Dwight Howard lite vs Nikola Jokic lite argument?

Both have similar skillsets.

Sengun can’t shoot a lick, he is no jokic

[Iwasawitness]

What?

Jokic has the perfect second option for a player like him, he's got multiple great wing options both in the starting unit and off the bench, and Aaron Gordon is possibly the best PF option to put next to him.

Both are good players that are difficult fits, and to me both really have to play the center position.

Duren is playing PF right now. It probably isn't a winning recipe once you become a playoff level team. At center he is undersized and isn't much more of a rim protector than Sengun.

Duren? Playing at PF? Did I miss something here?

They're a good fit around him, but perfect? Not a chance. He's never played with an all star or DPOY type guy ever. Without Jokic Denver isn't any good. The reason Denver is good is not because the fit of the cast is good, it's because Jokic is the best player in the **** world.

I think you're miss interpreting my point. Of course having an all NBA caliber player would be better, but I am talking entirely from a fit perspective. Murray, Porter, Gordon, their games fit perfectly with Jokic. If I'm building a team around Jokic, the skillsets that these players possess are exactly what I want.

[JujitsuFlip]

Too close to call for me both really talented young big men.

[schnakenpopanz]

I might have to eat crow for this later, but i always felt like Sengun was overhyped along with the rest of the Rockets young core. I’m sure he’ll have a fine, and long NBA career, but he seems slow footed and looks kinda clunky. I just don't think it’s likely he’ll be a good defensive center. I'm getting Enes Kanter vibes.

The only thing they have in common is their turkish background.
Alperen Sengün is 1000000x higher in Bball IQ which makes a worlds difference for me.

[Last Guardian]

Sengun is nice but probably best as offensive C off the bench.

I'll take Duren as a starting C to anchor the defense and dominate the boards.

[DCasey91]

Duren not close at all. Basketball is 5vs5 pyramid scheme style. The older I get the more I realise certain archetypes of players are hugely overrated despite seemingly having impressive raw stats.

[AIfan3]

I'd choose Duren also. All the physical tools to be an anchor on defense.

[BoogieTime]

Sengun is in the David Lee Domantas Sabonis mold. He can score but he’s not really a game changer in any way and extremely hard to build a top tier contender with those sort of guys as your number 2. They can be bottled up or limited by good defenders like a Looney and their one on one play style hampers the free flowing part of an offense. If they aren’t a big plus defender it usually sets a ceiling on what you can achieve.

what is this? The Kings had the historically best offense in the league last year with Sabonis as the hub

[GrandTheftRondo]

Denver was 40-42 in Jokic 2nd season. They improved further the following season and then an annual .600+ team. If Sengun has any impact like a Jokic then he should be able to lead his team to at least close to .500 in his 3rd season now.

0-3 start. I suggest people remove their biases and observe reality.

Sengun has an intriguing skill set but man people comparing him to Jokic are just being absurd.

There was always something special about Jokic.

Sengun has some skills but his feet are far slower than Jokic’s and he’s a much smaller player.

Sengun is far more of a Sabonis type than being the next Jokic.

Jokic had shooting and overall scoring ability from day one, other bigs just don’t have.