Rockets GM Rafael Stone didn’t just take a summer vacation, folks; he traveled to Türkiye for nearly two weeks with star Alperen Şengün this offseason, and it was all because Şengün demanded better communication from his general manager. This wasn’t just a friendly visit, it was a direct response to a player stepping up in a major way, both on the court and behind the scenes.
The Two Weeks That Will Change The Vibe in Houston
By his fifth year in the NBA, Alperen Şengün was already a huge leader for the Houston Rockets, both in the locker room and during games. Stone treated him like the star he is, traveling to Türkiye and spending almost two weeks at Şengün’s offseason home. Reflecting on the trip on Friday, a day when Stone, coach Ime Udoka, and some players honored first responders on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragic events, Stone called it a “great experience.” He added that he loved the country, finding it “truly beautiful” with “nice, sweet people.”
But this wasn’t just a tourist trip for Stone. He admitted the real reason was Şengün pushing him to be more vocal. Stone quoted Şengün saying, “You’re always around, but I want to hear from you more: Good, bad or ugly.” Stone took that feedback seriously. He said he had “always been on him” in Şengün’s first couple of years, then tried to “back off a little bit.” But Şengün made it clear he still wanted that engagement, even if it wasn’t “yelling at him 24/7.” This whole trip was a direct outcome of those “good conversations” at the end of last season, with Stone wanting to show he truly heard his young leader.
From Draft Pick to Demand-Maker: Şengün’s Incredible Rise
Seriously, Şengün has been on a wild ride since the Rockets drafted him 16th overall at just 18 years old in 2021. He’s improved every single year, moving mountains for the Rockets. By Year 3, he was dropping nearly a double-double every night, putting up 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Then Year 4 hit, and BOOM: he made his first All-Star team and helped break a four-year playoff drought for the team. Last season, his fifth year, he snagged his second straight All-Star nod and became a vocal leader on a team that even added future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant.
Stone confirmed Şengün isn’t slacking off, either. The GM said Şengün is “having a great summer” and “working his butt off,” even helping Türkiye clinch a spot in next year’s FIBA World Cup. With Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason all locked up for at least the next four years on “generous contracts”,including Thompson’s recent five-year, $208 million extension,the Rockets are building something special. Oh, and about that trip? Stone joked Şengün “didn’t pay for any meals” and that he “paid for everything.” Hey, that’s what leaders do, right? This team is clearly building a culture where the star players are not only performing but also shaping the future. Get ready, because these Rockets aren’t just talented, they’re communicating, and that’s a whole new ball game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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