'That's My Goal': Rockets Center Alperen Sengun Sets Sights on Next Season

The Houston Rockets are going to have an interesting season, and the improvements of Alperen Sengun significantly raises their ceiling.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has plenty of talent -- both young and veteran players -- on his team for the upcoming season. On top of this, new head coach Ime Udoka will be able to utilize their talents to get the most out of each player. 

Sengun is in a good spot to make a real impact and continuing his development for the 2023-24 season, marking his third career year in the league. Sengun recently joined the Bradeaux & Will Show to discuss a variety of topics, including his goals for the upcoming season. 

"I want to take more shots from three, that's my goal," Sengun said on the show. 

The 6-9 big man averaged 1.6 attempts from beyond the arc in his rookie year, and 0.8 attempts per game in his second season. Even if Sengun struggles to get his percentage bumped up, attempting more 3-pointers could benefit himself and the team.

Playing center, Sengun could keep opposing defenses honest by bumping up his 3-point attempts per game. Whether it be a pick-and-pop or just setting his feet and being a catch-and-shoot threat, defenses would have to respect his jump shot. 

With players like Amen Thompson, Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet on the team, Sengun would allow those players more spacing to make plays. However, shooting more threes isn't the only aspect Sengun wants to improve. 

"I want to play much better defense. I don't think my defense is that bad but I did struggle in the pick and roll defense last year," Sengun said on the podcast. 

For a player to self-reflect in this way shows obvious signs of a player willing to confront struggles or areas of improvement to help both himself and the team. 

The Rockets will have more help on the defensive end from Dillon Brooks, and he will make life easier on Sengun and allow him the room to develop and improve on that side of the ball. 

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