In a decision stirring heated reactions across the NBA community, Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün has been snubbed from the 2025 All-NBA Teams, despite a breakout season that saw him emerge as one of the league’s premier young big men.
The omission has raised eyebrows—and sparked backlash—after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and the league’s selection committee were criticized for what many are calling a politically influenced roster. Critics allege that the league “stocked the team” with bigger market players, favoring name recognition and media market value over performance.
A Stellar Season Overlooked
Şengün averaged 21.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, anchoring a young Rockets team that made a strong playoff push and shattered preseason expectations. His all-around skillset and court vision drew comparisons to European greats like Nikola Jokić, with many analysts predicting a sure-fire All-NBA nod.
“He did everything you ask of an All-NBA player,” said one Western Conference coach. “To leave him off says more about the process than the player.”
Rockets Front Office, Fans React
Rockets GM Rafael Stone issued a measured but firm response: “We believe Alperen is one of the best young players in the game. The numbers and impact speak for themselves. This won’t define him—it will only fuel him.”
On social media, “#JusticeForSengun” began trending shortly after the All-NBA Teams were released, with fans and players alike questioning the league’s transparency and criteria.
Bigger Market Bias?
The controversy stems in part from a perceived bias toward players from larger media markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Several of those selected had lesser statistical seasons than Şengün, yet appeared on ballots due to higher exposure and team success.
Whether this is a one-off miss or part of a deeper trend remains to be seen, but for now, Alperen Şengün is left watching from the sidelines—while the debate over fairness in NBA honors takes center stage