The NBA is witnessing a resurgence of dominant big men, and the Houston Rockets have a promising talent in Alperen Sengun. While Sengun may not reach the same heights as Nikola Jokic or Domantis Sabonis, he has shown himself to be a capable starting center in the league.
Houston fans have been fortunate to witness exceptional center play, with legends like Hakeem Olajuwon leading the team to championships. However, one name that sometimes gets overlooked in Houston’s history is Yao Ming, who was a marvel when he entered the league.
Ming, a former Rockets All-Star, was nearly unstoppable in the low post, towering over defenders and showcasing a reliable midrange game. His former teammate, Shane Battier, attested to Ming’s dominance, stating that even Prime Minister Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard struggled to contain him.
While Ming led Houston to multiple postseason appearances, he faced formidable opponents like the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, preventing him from securing an NBA title. Nonetheless, Ming’s skill set and impact on the game were undeniable, and he is considered one of the best players of his era.
The current generation of centers may not emulate Ming’s style, but his game is still worth studying, as he was ahead of his time in many ways.
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