Can Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun ‘be better’ than Nuggets Nikola Jokic?

HOUSTON — The NBA announced Wednesday evening that Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has earned MVP honors for the 2023-24 season. Jokic won his third career MVP award. He also became the first center since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to achieve this feat, winning the award in 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1977.

Jokic has established himself as arguably the best big man of his era. However, his success inspired Houston Rockets rising star Alperen Sengun.

Since entering the league in 2021, Sengun has always expressed his fondness for Jokic. He modeled his game after that of the six-time All-Star and took the nickname Baby Jokic. However, Jeff Green, who played two seasons with Jokic, challenged Sengun to be better than his idol earlier this year.

“There are comparisons,” Green said in November. “They’re both talented guys who can do a lot on the court with their size. But my message to Alpi is: ‘Don’t try to be the Joker.’ If so, be better than him.”

Green’s message to Sengun sparked the third-year big man’s career year. He became arguably the Rockets’ best player, averaging 21.1 points on 53.7% shooting, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 63 games. Sengun made significant improvements during his first season under coach Ime Udoka.

Sengun even did his best against Jokic. He led the Rockets to a 3-1 record against the Nuggets, averaging 21.0 points during the regular season series.

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