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Kevin Durant Reacts to NBA’s Alperen Sengun Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Feb 8, 2026 8:09 PM ET

Kevin Durant will not be the only Houston Rockets representative at the upcoming NBA All-Star Game. He will now be joined by teammate Alperen Sengun.

The NBA announced on Sunday that Sengun will replace Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the All-Star Game. The Thunder have already ruled the reigning NBA MVP out through the All-Star break due to an abdominal strain.

Segun, who is in the midst of another big year with the Rockets, will take Gilgeous-Alexander’s spot on Team World. Sengun will team up with other international players to face off against two American teams in a round-robin tournament.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Despite his strong play this season, Sengun was initially snubbed for what will now be his second consecutive All-Star appearance. In 44 games played, the 6-foot-11 center has averaged a career-high 20.8 points on 49.6% shooting, 9.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks in 34.0 minutes per contest.

Durant took to social media to share his reaction to the NBA’s announcement on Sengun.

“Congrats 2 eight, 2x and many more to go,” Durant posted on his Instagram story on Sunday.

Kevin Durant congratulates Alperen Sengun on IG for making the All Star game two years in a row ⭐️⭐️

“Congrats 2 eight, 2x and many more to go”#AllFire pic.twitter.com/5PEt8rtTbK
— ☆ (@Stunna999_) February 8, 2026

Durant is currently in his first season with the Rockets after his offseason blockbuster trade from the Phoenix Suns. The opportunity to play alongside Sengun was one of the reasons he pushed for a move to Houston.

These two have been tearing it up this season, alongside the rest of their Rockets teammates. As of writing, they are fourth in the Western Conference at 32-19. The Rockets are currently tied with the Los Angeles Lakers with the same record.

Houston has a back-to-back set coming up right before the All-Star break. They host the Los Angeles Clippers two nights in a row on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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