Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun Steps into NBA All-Star Spotlight
The NBA has announced a significant roster change for the upcoming 2026 All-Star Game, with Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun being selected to replace Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This decision comes after Gilgeous-Alexander was forced to withdraw from the prestigious event due to a strained abdominal muscle.
Historic Selection for Turkish Basketball
Sengun's appointment marks a notable achievement in international basketball, as he becomes Turkey's first two-time NBA All-Star. The talented center was previously selected for the All-Star Game last season, and this year he will represent the World team in the new U.S. vs. The World format. The only other Turkish player to achieve All-Star status was Mehmet Okur, who received the honor in 2007.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will take place on February 15th at the Los Angeles Clippers' home arena in Inglewood, California. Sengun will join the World team, filling the vacancy left by Gilgeous-Alexander's unfortunate injury.
Statistical Excellence and Selection Process
Sengun has been delivering impressive performances throughout the current NBA season, averaging:
- 20.8 points per game
- 9.4 rebounds per game
- 6.3 assists per game
These statistics demonstrate his well-rounded contribution to the Houston Rockets' lineup and justify his selection as an All-Star replacement.
The NBA's All-Star selection process involves multiple stages:
- The first 10 All-Stars are chosen through a weighted voting system involving fans, media members, and current NBA players
- An additional 14 players are designated as reserves through balloting by the league's head coaches
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has the authority to select injury replacements when necessary
Format Changes and Additional Selections
This year's All-Star Game introduces a new competitive structure featuring:
- Two U.S. teams and one World team
- A round-robin tournament format
- The top two teams advancing to an All-Star final
- All games consisting of 12-minute quarters (standard NBA quarter length)
Commissioner Silver recently made another roster adjustment, adding Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard to ensure the U.S. teams have the required minimum of eight players each. This brings the total number of U.S. All-Stars to 16, maintaining competitive balance in the new format.
The injury to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represents a significant loss for the World team, but Alperen Sengun's selection provides an exciting opportunity for the Turkish center to showcase his skills on basketball's biggest mid-season stage. Fans will be watching closely to see how Sengun performs alongside other international stars in this revamped All-Star competition.
