The upcoming NBA season hasn’t even tipped off, but Carmelo Anthony is already stirring the conversation with a bold claim. The Hall of Famer and 10-time All-Star believes that Alperen Sengun, the 23-year-old center of the Houston Rockets, could be the league’s next Most Valuable Player.
It’s a striking endorsement coming from one of the most respected scorers in NBA history. Anthony, who played for the Rockets briefly during his 19-year career, sees in Sengun the kind of modern big man who can anchor a contender; a player with vision, control, and a playmaking touch that sets him apart from his peers.
Carmelo Anthony Is Backing Rockets Star Alperen Sengun For MVP
During a recent discussion about breakout stars and future MVPs, Anthony singled out Sengun as his top choice. “Durant has never played alongside a big who can pass like that,” he says. “You can run your whole offense through him. Give him the ball, set a pick-and-roll, and force defenses to decide where to help. That’s what makes him special.”
The comparison most fans drew immediately was to Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets superstar and two-time MVP. Like Jokic, Sengun possesses rare instincts for a player his size, being able to see plays before they develop and deliver pinpoint passes that open up Houston’s offense.
Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) says Alperen Şengün can be an MVP candidate this season
“KD never played a big man you can throw the ball into, and the offense can be ran through – someone who has a similar game to Jokic”
“And I can just throw the ball to Sengun, or play in… pic.twitter.com/1yaDeyr634
— Franchise Şengün (@FranchiseSengun) October 14, 2025
Anthony went further, suggesting that with Kevin Durant now in Houston, Sengun will finally have the right environment to showcase the full scope of his talent. “With KD there, you can’t double Sengun,” he notes. “That changes everything.”
Alperen Sengun’s Rise
Sengun’s progression over the past two years has been one of the league’s better success stories. Last season, he earned his first All-Star selection, averaging 19.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, cementing his reputation as one of the NBA’s most complete young centers. His ability to blend post scoring, rebounding, and elite-level passing has made him indispensable to Ime Udoka’s system in Houston.
The Turkish big man carried that momentum into the international stage at EuroBasket, where he led Turkey to the final while averaging 21.6 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. That performance transformed him from a domestic star into a global name.
For many analysts, Sengun has become the prototype of the new-generation big: versatile, unselfish, and tactically intelligent. He doesn’t rely on athleticism or brute strength but on timing, feel, and constant motion, much like the player Carmelo compared him to in Jokic.
A Perfect Partnership with Kevin Durant
Durant arriving in Houston this offseason could be the turning point in Sengun’s rise to superstardom. Durant’s scoring gravity naturally draws defensive attention, creating passing lanes and mismatches that Sengun can exploit. The early chemistry between the two has already been evident in preseason action, with Sengun’s playmaking elevating the flow of team’s offense.
Two perfect examples how teams will have a hard time stopping the Sengun and Durant two man game.
The first play Nurkic dies not want to leave Sengun which opens up the lane for Durant.
The second play shows the gravity that Sengun has which leads to a wide open 3 for Durant. pic.twitter.com/qeVUWWjaNl
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) October 9, 2025
Anthony believes that partnership could unlock a new level for the Rockets. “When you’ve got a guy like KD who demands doubles, and a big like Sengun who can punish them with his passing, that’s a nightmare,” Anthony explains. “That’s MVP-type basketball.”
The fit also gives Durant something he’s rarely had: a true passing big who can share creation duties. As Carmelo points out, “Durant’s never had a center who could read the floor like this. This might be the most balanced team he’s been on in years.”
MVP Prediction: Potential Or Premature Hype?
While Anthony’s statement turned heads, it isn’t without merit.
Sengun’s blend of statistical production, team impact, and narrative momentum checks the right boxes for an MVP campaign. If the Rockets can emerge as a playoff contender and he maintains his trajectory, improving efficiency while leading the offense, Anthony’s prediction might not sound so far-fetched by season’s end. And, if Sengun continues to play with the same poise and creativity that’s defined his rise, this could be the year the NBA world learns what Houston already knows.
Still, competition in the Western Conference remains fierce, and Houston’s young roster will need to prove it can transform potential into wins. For now, one thing is certain: Anthony’s MVP prediction has put the Rockets center firmly in the spotlight.
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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