Rockets likely to begin season with Bruno Fernando starting at center

When the Houston Rockets traded Christian Wood in June, the assumption by many was that part of the motivation was to clear a starting spot for second-year prospect center Alperen Sengun.

Though trading Wood to Dallas could still open up more frontcourt minutes for Sengun, it appears the widespread assumptions about automatically starting him in Wood’s place were misguided.

From Kelly Iko of The Athletic:

Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Eric Gordon, and Jabari Smith Jr. are lineup locks but barring a last-minute change, Bruno Fernando has also emerged as a strong possibility to start at center instead of Sengun on opening night, The Athletic understands. Both have been used with the first team recently in practice. Fernando has made impressions with the team for his physicality and improving defense, rebounding ability and rim running — well-equipped athletically to play in Houston’s up-tempo system.

“I think we can be one of the best backcourts in the league. We’re going to pick up where we left off.”

For Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., the end of last season was just the beginning.

New for @TheAthleticNBA: https://t.co/lTWDZHlvCz

— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) October 19, 2022

Jonathan Feigen, Rockets beat writer for the Houston Chronicle, wrote earlier in the week that Sengun could be a better fit off the bench due to having more post-up opportunities there. In the piece, Feigen said Sengun’s overall minutes played per game would be very similar, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.

With Fernando likely in the starting lineup, Houston begins its 2022-23 regular season on Wednesday night in Atlanta. Tipoff between the Rockets and Hawks is set for 6:30 p.m. Central.

New #Rockets at #TXSN – Why Alperen Sengun may fit Rockets offense best off the bench https://t.co/dQYyXuSubI

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 16, 2022