Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has been named to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game as an injury replacement for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player, will miss the game due to injury, prompting the selection of Sengun as his substitute. Sengun will appear on the World team for the exhibition event.
Sengun, in his third NBA season, has emerged as a key contributor for the Rockets, showcasing a versatile skill set and a strong command of the offense from the center position. His selection to the All-Star Game marks the first such honor of his career and reflects his continued development and impact within the league.
The Turkish-born big man has drawn praise for his unique style of play, combining traditional post skills with advanced passing ability and vision typically seen in guards. His inclusion on the All-Star roster boosts the international representation in the event and highlights the NBA’s global reach.
Gilgeous-Alexander, a Canadian national, sustained an undisclosed injury and will be unavailable for the midseason showcase. The guard has been having another stellar campaign following his MVP season, and his absence from the All-Star Game is notable. Despite this, the addition of Sengun ensures the World team maintains a strong, internationally flavored roster.
The NBA All-Star Game is part of a weekend-long celebration of basketball, featuring various events designed to entertain fans and highlight individual player talent. Sengun’s participation will offer him an opportunity to further solidify his standing among the league’s top players and gain experience on a national stage.
No additional details regarding Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury or recovery timeline have been provided at this time. The league has not announced any further changes to the All-Star Weekend schedule.
