Joel Embiid Is a Beast on the Court — But This Young Center Just Stole the Spotlight!

It’s hard to deny that Joel Embiid is one of the most dominant centers in the NBA when he is fully healthy. The Philadelphia 76ers superstar has long been regarded as a force to be reckoned with, combining size, strength, footwork, and shooting touch in a way few big men in league history have ever done. At his peak, Embiid was unstoppable, drawing comparisons to some of the greatest centers of all time.

But here’s the catch — “when healthy”. Injuries have unfortunately hampered Embiid’s consistency over the past two years. During this period, a new name has emerged in the NBA: Alperen Sengun, the Houston Rockets center who is quietly making a name for himself as one of the league’s most versatile and impactful big men.

Alperen Sengun’s Meteoric Rise

At just 23 years old, Sengun has already demonstrated a maturity and skill set beyond his years. Last season, he played a pivotal role in leading the Houston Rockets to the second-best record in the Western Conference — a remarkable feat given the team’s youth and ongoing rebuild.

Sengun’s impact is not limited to the NBA. On the international stage, he is lighting up EuroBasket 2025, carrying Turkey with performances that are nothing short of spectacular. With Turkey just one win away from claiming their first-ever EuroBasket gold medal, Sengun’s dominance has caught the attention of basketball fans and experts alike.

Former Teammate Shockingly Declares Sengun Better than Embiid

In a statement that has NBA fans buzzing, Furkan Korkmaz, who spent seven years playing alongside Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, claimed that Sengun has now surpassed the former MVP in his eyes.

“Until now, I thought Joel Embiid was the best center I played with. But now, it’s Alperen,” Korkmaz said. He praised Sengun’s impact on both ends of the floor, highlighting the Turkish star’s newfound defensive aggression alongside his already impressive offensive game.

Korkmaz emphasized Sengun’s versatility, work ethic, and basketball IQ, noting how the young big man is constantly striving to improve every aspect of his game. “He’s enjoying playing basketball. He helps us a lot defensively and offensively. I think he’s a special kid. And every day, he’s trying to give his maximum. This year, we are also seeing that he’s playing aggressive defense too. Not only offense. And that gives us a lot of confidence. He’s helping us in different ways. I hope that he has a long way to go. He’s going to grow a lot and we’re going to see much better basketball from him.”

A Historic Performance Against Poland

The context for Korkmaz’s glowing praise came after Sengun’s epic triple-double against Poland in the EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinals. Sengun posted 19 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals, leading Turkey to a decisive victory and punching their ticket to the semifinals.

It wasn’t just the statistics that impressed — it was the way Sengun controlled the game, demonstrating poise, vision, and dominance that few centers in the tournament could match. His ability to contribute in scoring, playmaking, and defense has made him a nightmare matchup for opponents.

Why Sengun Is Drawing Comparisons to All-Time Greats

While Embiid has historically been the benchmark for excellence at the center position, Sengun’s growth is impossible to ignore. Unlike many young big men, Sengun possesses a complete skill set: he can score in the post, stretch the floor with mid-range and three-point shooting, defend the rim, and create plays for teammates.

Basketball analysts are starting to take notice. Many experts have noted that Sengun’s basketball IQ and court vision allow him to anticipate plays and make decisions in real-time that often seem decades ahead of his experience. He is the rare center who can run an offense like a guard, making him a modern NBA centerpiece in an era that demands versatility.

The International Stage: Sengun Shines for Turkey

EuroBasket 2025 has been a stage for Sengun to showcase his growth and leadership. Beyond the triple-double against Poland, he has consistently elevated the performance of his teammates, providing guidance, energy, and confidence.

Turkey’s journey through the tournament has been historic, and Sengun is at the heart of it. His performance is not only drawing comparisons to NBA stars like Embiid but also cementing his status as a potential future EuroBasket legend. Fans across Turkey are rallying behind him, and social media is buzzing with clips of his jaw-dropping plays, highlighting his ability to dominate under pressure.

What This Means for the NBA

Sengun’s rise has major implications for the NBA. As he enters his fourth NBA season, expectations are higher than ever. The Houston Rockets are building around his unique skill set, and basketball insiders predict that Sengun could soon challenge the likes of Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and other elite centers in the league for All-Star and MVP consideration.

The comparison with Embiid is particularly intriguing. While Embiid has the experience and accolades, Sengun brings a fresh, aggressive style that could redefine the modern center position. If he continues on his current trajectory, it is not far-fetched to imagine Sengun becoming one of the most dominant centers in NBA history.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The reaction from fans has been immediate and intense. Clips of Korkmaz’s statement praising Sengun have gone viral across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, sparking debates among NBA enthusiasts: “Is Sengun already better than Embiid?” Many highlight Sengun’s versatility, leadership, and youth, noting that he could still have 10–15 years of prime basketball ahead.

The Houston Rockets fanbase is also ecstatic. Long overlooked in recent years, the team now has a potential franchise cornerstone who is not only excelling domestically but also dominating on the international stage, attracting attention from basketball fans worldwide.

The Road Ahead for Sengun and Turkey

With Turkey just one win away from their first EuroBasket gold medal, all eyes are on Sengun. If he can guide his team to victory, it will be a historic milestone in international basketball and further elevate his global reputation. His leadership, skill, and competitive fire are on full display, making him a player to watch not only for the Rockets but for basketball fans everywhere.

Korkmaz’s statement may have raised eyebrows, but it underscores a critical truth: Alperen Sengun is no longer just a promising young player — he is now a proven impact center capable of challenging the very best in the world.

Conclusion: The NBA’s Next Elite Center?

The rise of Alperen Sengun is a story that combines talent, hard work, and timing. With Joel Embiid struggling with injuries and other centers like Nikola Jokic leading their teams, Sengun is carving his own path to stardom. His ability to perform on both ends of the floor, coupled with a triple-double-caliber impact in high-pressure games, signals the arrival of a new elite center in the NBA.

As the world watches Turkey’s EuroBasket journey, basketball fans everywhere are asking the same question: “Has Alperen Sengun just surpassed Joel Embiid?” Only time will tell, but one thing is clear — this 23-year-old phenom is here to stay, and the NBA landscape may never look the same again.