I am ready for it, and I am just going to fight,” Rockets center Alperen Sengun says of physical play from opponents like Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen.

The NBA announced its 2025 All-Star Game starters on Thursday, and the Rockets weren’t represented. But led by Alperen Sengun, they did receive votes.

Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Astros, Rockets, Texans and every team in town. Michael is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and a noted fan of pull-up threes, wide-receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.

Alperen Sengun on how and why he’s taken an All-Star leap in Houston: “Opportunity, and Ime (Udoka) believing in me. That was the biggest reason.”

Sengun is averaging a robust 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, but on just 49% shooting from the floor and 22.6% from long range.