As a rookie, Alperen Şengün was an unexpected success story. His second NBA season saw him make some minor progress. In 2023–24, the Houston Rockets center took a quantum leap.
The statistics by themselves are excellent for Şengün. Just 16 players have earned more win shares this season, and he is one of just six players who averages 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. However, Şengün’s skill on the court surpasses his stats. With 16 more victories than the previous season, the Rockets are headed for 38 wins thanks to \engün. He plays with a share-the-ball mentality that permeates the rest of the team, and he is a punishing inside player with an amazing assortment of post moves. \engün did not make it into the All-Star game this season. In February of next year, I think he’ll be approved.
Şengün’s ascent this season ought to place him in the running for Most Improved Player, with Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers and Coby White of the Chicago Bulls. There’s one big obstacle in his path. With his lower-leg injury sustained in Sacramento on Sunday, Şengün’s third NBA season is likely to end with just 63 games played. As of right now, he has played in 63 games this season. Why is this person important to us? The league office’s new bylaw is to be thanked.
Before the 2023–24 season, the NBA implemented a new 65-game requirement for postseason award consideration. This new requirement applied to the All-NBA and All-Defense teams, as well as to the Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player categories. The rule is incorrect in several ways.
Let’s begin with the most basic element of all. If Şengün plays 66 games as opposed to 63, is he a player who is much more valuable? Is his three extra games played making his growth all the more noteworthy? Naturally, no. By giving the media the ability to vote for awards, the NBA assumes that its members are avid fans of the league. Then, are these voters unable of distinguishing between an 82-game season and a 60-game campaign? The distinction is evident
