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Houston Rockets rookie center Alperen Şengün is learning the ropes of being a professional basketball player in the NBA as fast as he can.
Rockets beat reporter Salman Ali took to Twitter to post a statement that Şengün was doing everything possible to scratch and claw the Rockets to wins.
“I’m doing my best. I’m fighting when I’m in the game. I want to lead the team,” he said.
In the team's 115-89 loss to the Phoenix Suns this week, Şengün notched his first career-double-double, finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds and a block, according to Fantasy Pros.
The promising stat line could lead to more playing time for Şengün, who could be a valuable asset to the Rockets 2021 rookie class as the team looks to win its second game of the NBA season.
The Rockets acquired Şengün on draft day by trading with Oklahoma City, securing the 16th overall pick who has thus far shown a knack for passing and is currently playing the role of sixth man on the team, according to ClutchPoints.
The Rockets are currently on a 12-game losing streak and are 1-13 on the season, which is last in the Western Conference and the marks the worst record in the league.
“I’m upset, but I think we will (soon) start to win,” he said.
He added that it doesn’t matter if he starts or comes off the bench.
“When there is action in the paint, when they come to me, I can still cut and still see my teammates,” he said. “I don’t want to play individually. I want to play with the team. When I play with the team I feel happy.”
Şengün added that he emphasizes that he communicates with the team that they need to share the ball and they also want to win more games.
On the season, Şengün is averaging 9.4 points on 49.2% shooting, 2.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.