Alperen Sengun out another week for Rockets due to right ankle sprain

The Rockets delivered some positive news after Saturday’s practice: Rookie big man Alperen Sengun is progressing well in his rehabilitation. Sengun has been out of Houston’s rotation since he suffered a right ankle sprain against the Miami Heat on New Year’s Eve.

“When I was here during the away games, I worked a lot,” Sengun said through a translator after going through extensive drills at practice with assistant coach John Lucas. “I’m feeling better compared to the first week. I’m improving my mobility moves, also. It’s better now. We started two days ago. More quick actions.”

It has been challenging for the 19-year-old to watch his teammates’ fight on the court while out. He had just started to pick up the pace and style of the NBA and was becoming a key part of the Rockets’ rotation.

Sengun expressed those sentiments via his translator on Saturday:

I missed the team. I missed playing basketball. I missed being on the court. I am sad; I’m upset because I cannot fight with the team on the court right now.

I am working a lot right now during my injured period, but it will be good. I think I will need a couple of games again to adjust myself again to the pace, but I believe that it will be good. I will not have a problem.

In 18.4 minutes per game, Sengun has averaged 9.0 points (50.0% FG), 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. The 6-foot-10 big man was selected at No. 16 overall in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft.

Rockets head coach Stephen Silas was also happy to see Sengun back on the court after starting individual drills on Friday.

“He did a little bit more, but nothing with the group,” Silas said of Sengun. “Individually, he did some slides, and some dribbling, so a little bit more today.”

Houston expects to keep Sengun out for at least another week before evaluating when he can return to the lineup.