Fans tab Alperen Sengun as the Rockets’ MVP frontrunner this season, voting 65% in Reacts over Kevin Durant.

Sengun's EuroBasket form has raised expectations; if that momentum translates to Houston and the team stays in the Western Conference playoff mix, he could become a legitimate MVP candidate. Durant remains a veteran counterpoint, but Sengun’s rising star is the focal point for the Rockets’ potential breakout.

Houston’s MVP case hinges on contending in a tough West and Sengun sustaining high usage and efficiency. If the Rockets falter, Durant’s steady production could still carry the narrative—yet the early hype centers on Sengun’s breakout impact.

Turkey’s defense stifled Giannis Antetokounmpo in a 94-68 EuroBasket semifinal rout, and Alperen Sengun sparked a firestorm by saying Giannis isn’t a great passer and that Turkey crowded the paint to neutralize him. Giannis answered with a concise, let-my-game-do-the-talking line as he heads into season 13, while Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis called Sengun out for gloating. The Bucks–Rockets rematch on November 9 adds NBA-grade intrigue to a high-profile international showdown.