Strengths and Weaknesses for Every Projected Lottery PickAlperen Sengun (Besiktas, C, 2002)
Strengths
Interior ScoringAs MVP of the Turkish BSL, Alperen Sengun averaged 18.6 points on 62.6 percent shooting by consistently working pro big men in the paint at 18. He flashed a high skill level from the foul line to baseline, finding ways to create open looks in tight windows with spin moves, up-and-unders and other types of footwork. He also has excellent hands and a nose for the rim, so every shot he attempted was controlled and high-percentage. Sengun also demonstrated terrific timing rolling to the hoop off ball screens. And though not known for his explosiveness, he did show some pop on dunk attempts with both hands when loading up with momentum.
Budding Forward SkillsSengun looked more like an NBA center than a European one over the last two months of the season. We saw more transition ball-handling, face-up moves and passing. He created highlights by taking defensive rebounds coast to coast, losing defenders with in-and-out dribbles from the perimeter and dishing on the move. Shooting isn't a strength, but he did hit 81.2 percent of his 6.1 free-throw attempts per game, while his seven made three-pointers looked comfortable and promising for the long term.
Defensive Instincts Though he doesn't possess unbelievable size or length for a center, he was effective in certain spots, showing shot-blocking timing and awareness in pick-and-roll situations. He made good reads in terms of when to step up or drop to the roller. And he moved well enough to stick with ball-handlers turning the corner.
WeaknessesLack of Quickness/ExplosionWhile Sengun relied on craft, skill and patience, he wasn't able to beat defenders with quick-twitch moves that would serve him well in the NBA. It's worth questioning how easily he'll be able to separate against more athletic, longer frontcourts.
Limited VersatilityThe team that drafts Sengun will be hoping he continues to build on the budding flashes of transition and perimeter play. He lacks versatility in the half court, used mostly as a post player or roll man. And defensively, he's limited to guarding inside bigs. Opponents will likely target him in ball screens to bring him away from the basket, where ball-handlers could attack him.
