I think Sengun is really the big guy that they are looking forward to making that big step. He started off the year so strong, and then kind of tapered off toward the end.<\/p>\n
I know they had some difficult conversations at the end of the year, just saying: \u2018This is what we need from you. This is what we expect from you.\u2019 In terms of habits, and growth throughout the season.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s been called \u2018Baby Joker\u2019 (Nikola Jokic) for a while. He has that skill set. They love him as a person, and the sooner he takes that next step, the sooner this team gets there.<\/p>\n
Shelburne didn\u2019t elaborate on the specifics of those conversations, though it is worth noting that Sengun\u2019s defensive impact metrics slipped in his fifth NBA season (relative to year four<\/a>). He also committed a career-worst 3.2 turnovers per game.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Whatever the case, it would seem the conversations had an amicable resolution, since Sengun remains on the roster and is clearly an important part of Houston\u2019s blueprint<\/a> for the season ahead.<\/p>\n The Rockets are coming off back-to-back years with 52-30 records in the regular season before bowing out in the first round of the West playoffs. With that in mind, the obvious task for general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Ime Udoka is to improve upon that showing.<\/p>\n In 2026-27, the simplest path to a breakthrough would be a better roster. Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Kevin Durant (mostly<\/a>) were all sidelined by injury in the 2026 playoffs, and the Rockets recently signed Marcus Smart in free agency<\/a>. All should be available when training camp opens in late September.<\/p>\n But another leap forward from Sengun and other members of that young core \u2014 namely Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason \u2014 could certainly help that cause, as well.<\/p>\n Last season, Sengun averaged 20.4 points (51.9% FG, 30.5% on 3-pointers), 8.9 rebounds, and a career-high 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. His 24th birthday is this Saturday.<\/p>\n More: Rockets sign veteran guard Marcus Smart to two-year, $13-million deal<\/a>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/BNETMGzTnw0\/maxresdefault.jpg\")