Is Sengun Replacing Embiid? Former Sixers Teammate Reveals Shocking Secret That Has NBA Fans Stunned!

In a statement that has sent shockwaves across the basketball world, former Philadelphia 76ers guard Furkan Korkmaz boldly declared that Alperen Sengun is now the best center he has ever played with, surpassing none other than former MVP Joel Embiid. The announcement comes in the wake of Türkiye’s stunning 91-77 EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinal victory over Poland, where Sengun’s extraordinary performance left fans and analysts alike questioning the hierarchy of elite centers in the modern NBA.

A Bold Claim From Korkmaz – Shaking NBA Center Rankings

“Until now I think Joel Embiid was the best player, the best center that I was playing with, but I think we can tell that it’s Alperen now,” Korkmaz stated. His praise for the young Houston Rockets star went further: “He’s enjoying playing basketball, he helps us a lot on the court defensively and offensively. I think he’s a special kid, and every day he’s trying to give his maximum.”

Korkmaz’s words are more than mere flattery. They reflect a genuine recognition of Sengun’s ability to dominate the game on multiple fronts, both defensively and offensively. By highlighting Sengun’s aggressive defense this season, Korkmaz reinforced the narrative that the Turkish phenom is now the cornerstone of his national team and a rising star in the NBA.

EuroBasket 2025 – Sengun’s Historic Breakout

Sengun’s reputation as a basketball prodigy has skyrocketed during EuroBasket 2025, where he produced historic numbers. In the quarterfinal match against Poland, Sengun recorded a triple-double—19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists—along with three steals, shooting 6-for-14 from the field. He became only the second player in this year’s tournament, joining Luka Doncic, to achieve such a feat—a performance that hasn’t been seen since 1995.

Sengun’s impact on the court is undeniable. He ranks 7th in scoring (21.6 points per game), 2nd in rebounds (10.9), and 3rd in assists (7.1) at EuroBasket. He also contributes 1 steal per game, shooting nearly 60% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. These stats highlight a well-rounded game that goes far beyond scoring, proving that Sengun is capable of changing the course of a game single-handedly.

NBA Season Recap – A Breakout Year With Houston

Sengun’s EuroBasket dominance follows a breakout fourth season in the NBA. During the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists across 76 games, leading the Houston Rockets to a 52-30 record and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. The season also earned him his first All-Star selection, signaling that he is no longer just a promising young talent but a proven star in the league.

This offseason, Sengun will be entering his fifth NBA season alongside Kevin Durant, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Phoenix Suns. The combination of Sengun’s rising dominance and Durant’s veteran leadership has Houston fans buzzing about their potential to contend in the Western Conference and perhaps even challenge for a championship.

Joel Embiid – Facing Adversity and Uncertainty

Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, now 31, endured a challenging 2024-25 season with Philadelphia. Limited to just 19 games due to a persistent knee injury, Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, shooting 44.4% from the field. His health concerns have sparked questions about his long-term outlook, despite 76ers head coach Nick Nurse describing his progress as “very, very hard-working” and “positive.”

The contrast between Sengun’s meteoric rise and Embiid’s injury-plagued season has led to increased discussion among fans and analysts: Could Sengun really be the new benchmark for elite centers in the NBA?

The Global Spotlight – Why Sengun Is Becoming a Household Name

Sengun’s rise isn’t just making waves in the NBA; it’s a global phenomenon. His triple-double performance at EuroBasket 2025 has drawn attention from basketball enthusiasts worldwide, from casual fans to seasoned scouts. Analysts have noted that Sengun’s versatility, basketball IQ, and leadership make him a once-in-a-generation talent.

His EuroBasket stats mirror his NBA efficiency, and the fact that he is able to dominate both internationally and domestically signals that Sengun is entering the elite tier of basketball superstars. Fans are now debating on social media: Can he eventually surpass legends like Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and even Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Houston Rockets – A Team Rebuilt Around Sengun

The Rockets have made it clear that Sengun is the centerpiece of their future. Alongside Kevin Durant, the team has revamped its roster with the goal of being title contenders. Early impressions from training camps suggest that Sengun’s confidence and skill set are already rubbing off on his teammates, elevating Houston’s competitiveness.

The Rockets’ first game of the 2025-26 NBA season will be against Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Thunder hosting a championship ceremony before tipping off against a retooled Houston squad featuring both Sengun and Durant. Basketball insiders are already predicting that the matchup will showcase Sengun’s growth and set the stage for a monster NBA season.

Fan Reactions – Social Media Is Exploding

Fans across social media platforms are buzzing. Clips of Sengun’s EuroBasket triple-double have gone viral, with commentators praising his all-around game. Some Philadelphia fans, meanwhile, have expressed concern about Embiid’s durability, wondering whether the 76ers can continue to rely on their former MVP as their franchise cornerstone.

Analysts are calling this a changing of the guard moment in the NBA center landscape. With Sengun combining youth, skill, and international dominance, he is increasingly seen as a future face of the league, a status once held firmly by Embiid.

Looking Ahead – A New Era of Centers in the NBA

The debate between Sengun and Embiid is more than just fan chatter—it symbolizes a shift in the NBA. As the league continues to evolve with positionless basketball and centers taking on more versatile roles, players like Sengun, who can score, rebound, assist, and defend, are becoming increasingly valuable.

Philadelphia opens its season on October 22 against the Boston Celtics, while Houston tips off a night earlier. The early-season matchups may offer fans the first glimpse of Sengun’s new dominance and whether he truly deserves to be ranked above Joel Embiid.

The Verdict – Has a New King of the Center Position Emerged?

While it may be too early to definitively crown Sengun as better than Embiid, the evidence is mounting. His EuroBasket performances, combined with his stellar NBA breakout, suggest that he is on a trajectory to challenge the established elite. Meanwhile, Embiid’s injury struggles introduce an element of uncertainty around his continued supremacy in the center role.

One thing is clear: Alperen Sengun is no longer just a promising talent—he is a dominant force, a game-changer, and potentially the best center of the present, if not the near future. As the NBA and international basketball worlds watch closely, the next season could mark the official rise of Sengun, a player poised to redefine what it means to be a modern NBA center.