Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun explains why he does not want to be compared to Nikola Jokic, ‘I can’t stop…’

Sengun wants to separate himself from the comparisons

Over the past few seasons, Sengun has consistently proven himself to be the Rockets’ go-to player. While Jalen Green tried his best to be a co-star, Sengun proved to be undeniable. Durant is there now, but Sengun is playing on the same level.

His reliability in scoring or making the right play is undeniable. That has led to him getting compared to someone like Jokic, who is one of the most unstoppable players in modern NBA history.

Sengun is ready to compete on the same level as Jokic, which is why he is looking to step out of his shadow. He has been on a mission to prove himself against Jokic, not only in the NBA but also in international play, as evidenced by their EuroBasket stints in the summer of 2025.

“I don’t care what people call me. I can’t stop them from calling me anything, but I have my own game.

“Yeah, we have similar stuff with Jokic, he was the player I looked up to when I came to the league,” Sengun said to the media after a Rockets practice.

“Now, I have my own thing, I have my own team. We’re one of the best teams in the league. Whatever they call it, I’m fine with it. But, I’m just writing my own story.”

Jokic is still the gold standard for centers

Unfortunately for Sengun, Jokic is a pretty steep target. In the NBA Cup game between the Rockets and the Denver Nuggets on Friday, it was Jokic who came out victorious. Sengun had a relatively quiet game, posting only 14 points and six assists.

Jokic was superb once again, posting 34 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists to lead the Nuggets to their 12th win of the season. Sengun would love to compete on the same level, but he is not there just yet. The potential is clear, but Jokic is still on top of the center mountain in the league.

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Moving forward, the center position is quite stacked, with Jokic, Sengun, and Victor Wembanyama leading the way. It will continue to get better with young talents such as Jalen Duren and Donovan Clingan making waves around the league.

Sengun would love to be one of the best centers in the league and possibly usurp his idol. However, the ascension to the same level as a three-time MVP is still quite difficult in the 2025-26 season.