The NBA's annual anonymous player poll has spoken, and there's a new sheriff in town when it comes to the league's most overrated player. After a year of Tyrese Haliburton holding that unwanted crown, the honor—if you can call it that—has been passed to a surprising contender: Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun.
According to a recent survey by The New York Times, Sengun snagged 12.3 percent of the vote, outpacing notable names like Rudy Gobert (8.6 percent), Trae Young (8.6 percent), and Karl-Anthony Towns. For those still catching up, Sengun is the 23-year-old Turkish center who's been quietly anchoring Houston's resurgence.
Who Is Alperen Sengun?
Sengun isn't a household name yet, but he's quickly becoming one. Drafted in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft after winning Turkish League MVP at just 18, he's developed into the Rockets' offensive hub. This past season, he averaged roughly 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, showcasing a rare blend of post moves, passing vision, and footwork that's drawn comparisons to some of the game's best big men.
His rise helped propel Houston into the playoffs, where they pushed LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to the brink in the first round. The Rockets finished sixth in defensive rating, and Sengun was a key part of that success. Yet, his peers aren't entirely convinced.
Why the Label?
The poll didn't offer a flood of detailed explanations, but one anonymous player's comment stood out: “He’s crying every play. He’s talented, but, dude, just play hard.” That sentiment—questioning his toughness and effort—seems to be the driving force behind the vote. It's a stark contrast to the numbers, which paint Sengun as a productive, efficient cornerstone.
This shift in the 'most overrated' title also echoes broader debates in sports. For example, the Masters pimento cheese sandwich was recently ranked among sports' most overrated foods, proving that labels can stick to anything from meals to players.
What This Means for Sengun
Being voted 'most overrated' isn't necessarily a death sentence. It can be a motivator. Just look at how the Patriots were dethroned in the AFC East—sometimes a label fuels a comeback. For Sengun, the challenge is to prove his detractors wrong and solidify his reputation as a true star.
Meanwhile, Haliburton, who held the title last year, has been on his own journey. He's focused on his comeback journey, supported by his fiancée and a 30-pound transformation. His dethroning as 'most overrated' might actually be a relief, allowing him to focus on his game without that tag.
So, is Sengun overrated? The numbers say no. His peers say yes. Either way, he's now part of a conversation that includes some of the league's biggest names. And in the NBA, attention—even the negative kind—is a sign you've arrived.
