Nov 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun before action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Rockets' Alperen Sengun Shows Love to Former Teammate

Originally posted on Houston Rockets on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Nov 29, 2024 12:14 PM ET

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has a bright future in the NBA, but he isn't quick to forget about the road that has led him to this moment.

In his first two seasons in the league, Sengun grew a lot alongside KJ Martin with the Stephen Silas-era Rockets. While they lost a lot, they matured together to build their careers in the league.

After Sengun and the Rockets beat Martin and the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, the two exchanged jerseys, and the Houston center posted the interaction on social media.

Alperen Şengün showing his jersey swap with KJ Martin on Instagram:

“Brother Always ❤️” pic.twitter.com/6MmGkfmZUN
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) November 29, 2024

Martin, who was a second-round pick by the Rockets in the 2020 NBA Draft, was traded following the 2022-23 campaign to the Los Angeles Clippers for two future second-round picks. After just two games with the Clippers, Martin was then traded to the Sixers in a blockbuster trade that involved former teammate James Harden.

Martin has been trying to find footing in the NBA ever since, but he is beginning to carve out a role with the Sixers as they have been decimated by injuries. So far this season, Martin is averaging 4.4 points per game while playing 16.5 minutes per contest.

Maybe there's a world where Martin and Sengun become teammates once again, but for now, they will compete on the floor against one another.

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

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