Rising NBA Star Reveals Relationship With Nikola Jokic

Alperen Sengun has a unique relationship with Nikola Jokic.

Even though Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun aren't on the same team, the two seem to be a very connected duo. Many call Sengun a "baby Jokic" and the two have similar playstyles. What makes the relationship even more unique, is the fact that Jokic mentors Sengun from a distance.

On the newest episode of Podcast P, Alperen Sengun opened up about his relationship with Nikola Jokic. 

“You know, Jokic is not social media guy, he cares about basketball and family," Sengun said. "But he’s a great guy and European. I can say all European bigs and other players so close to each other…After the game he’s coming up to me saying good job, great job, keep it up. All this great stuff, it’s great for me. I like not trying to play like him, but like you know, our games are similar.”

Nikola Jokic isn't even 30 years old yet, but he has the accomplishments of a longtime NBA veteran. If there's a player for Sengun to model his game on, Jokic would be that perfect fit, and the young star knows it.

At 21 years old, Sengun is averaging 20.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 57/32/64 shooting. When Jokic was 21 years old, he was averaging 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 58/32/83 shooting. Both of their stats are honestly pretty similar, but Jokic is a better free-throw shooter.

It remains to be seen whether Alperen Sengun actually develops into the MVP that Jokic is, but he's clearly on the right path, and he's got a great mentor, too.

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