Alperen Sengun approaches the 2025-26 season with championship hunger and a sharpened, more complete game. He highlights offseason focus on touch, finishing, conditioning, and shooting, aiming to extend his minutes and impact on both ends. The Rockets’ strategic shift to a “double-big” look under Ime Udoka fueled Sengun’s energy and efficiency, and the addition of Fred VanVleet reinforces leadership and ball movement. Kevin Durant’s arrival promises floor spacing and playmaking that could elevate Sengun’s scoring and distribution, while Amen Thompson’s development and Steven Adams’ veteran presence bolster Houston’s physicality and playoff readiness. The mix positions Sengun to push toward All-NBA-caliber production and a deep playoff run, with Jalen Green’s trajectory and Durant’s pairing shaping the floor for everyone.

Beyond Sengun, the piece underscores how Houston’s blend of veteran savvy and youthful upside could redefine their postseason odds. VanVleet’s leadership and Durant’s dynamic pairing alongside Sengun, Thompson, and Adams are framed as catalysts for a higher ceiling. The Warriors series history, Udoka’s coaching philosophy, and the Western Conference’s depth create a challenging pathway, but the Rockets’ newfound balance and physicality are pitched as the core engine of a potential title-contending core in 2025-26.