Houston Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun is focused on getting better every year, thriving to become the best player in the NBA. For some, the 2026-27 season is critical for Sengun. As the Rockets look to bounce back from their disappointing first-round playoff exit against a Luka Doncic-less Los Angeles Lakers team last season, the two-time All-Star center is aiming high.
Sengun explained why his goal of becoming the best NBA player is necessary during Rockets' Media Day.
“Every year there's different expectations. It just gets bigger and bigger. That's how you become a better player, and I want to become the best player in this league one day,” Sengun said. “It's good to be having those expectations. It's just makes you a better player. It makes you a better person.”
Sengun believes in having the right mentality in the NBA as a means of survival.
“There are 60 players coming every year, and you can never relax until you retire,” Sengun added. “Every year you work hard. It's hard to play in this league. So many talents, and I love [that] pressure. It's just makes you a better player every year. Better expectations. When you give them more, it's just more, and more. That's the same. I feel it. If I did 20, I can do 25. If I did 25, I can do 30, you know? It's about putting yourself in the right position, and in the right [mentality] to think about this stuff. Growing up, you understand it better.”
Article Continues Below“I want to be the best player in this league one day.”
– Alperen Sengun pic.twitter.com/dVQJN5u0Sr
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 22, 2026
All-Star Alperen Sengun addressed the Rockets' playoff exit last season. Sengun pointed to the Lakers' experience as a contributing factor to their 4-2 loss in the first round.
“We beat them in every stat,” Sengun said. “But the experience beat us.”
While fans on social media have mocked Sengun's desire to become the best, others believe he has his head on straight ahead of a promising season for the Rockets.