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Şengün On His One-Legged Fadeaway: 'I am Really Dangerous'

Originally posted on Houston Rockets on SI
By Coty M. Davis | Last updated Nov 28, 2023 1:22 PM ET

When the Houston Rockets conclude the first round of their In-Season Tournament against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, fans inside the American Airlines Center will witness Alperen Şengün attempt a one-legged fadeaway jump shot.

Şengün's jumper will remind fans of Dirk Nowitzki, who perfected the shot en route to a Hall-of-Fame career.

Şengün spent the offseason watching film of Nowitzki. But his version of the one-legged fadeaway has become a staple of his offensive game due to the time spent working with a skills coach in Turkey.

"I have worked on the shot all summer," Şengün said. "I feel more confident when I am shooting, and it is getting more dangerous — especially with me faking and going to the rim."

"When I really start to perfect this shot, it's going to be difficult to guard me. I am really dangerous with the shot. It's what I do."

The first 14 games of the season have led to a career year for Şengün. He has become the Rockets' top option on the offensive end, averaging 20.2 points on 56.7 percent shooting from the field.

An average of 3.4 points on 59.5 percent shooting on post-ups has accounted for Şengün's scoring, while over half of his success is the result of his rendition of the one-legged fadeaway.

Şengün said his goal throughout the offseason was to add a move to elevate his offensive game. But most importantly, his willingness to attempt the shot is a testament to the confidence coach Ime Udoka has instilled in him.

"I am trying to shoot any shot in the mid-range," Şengün said. "I am a big man, so I am not a super shooter. But the fadeaway has helped me more. It has allowed me to use my skills more...In each game, the shot has become natural. And now, I am super comfortable with it."

While the Rockets are in Dallas, Şengün said he may walk by Nowitzki's statue. It's a white bronze sculpture of Nowitzki's iconic one-legged fadeaway jumper. The shot helped Nowitzki establish himself as one of the greatest big men in league history, which included league MVP honors in 2007 and a championship in 2011.

The statue is to commemorate Nowitzki's greatness with the Mavericks. But for Şengün, it can be evidence of how dangerous the one-legged fadeaway jump shot can be.

This article first appeared on Houston Rockets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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