Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has been named to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game as a replacement for Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The selection marks Sengun's second consecutive All-Star appearance, making him Turkey's first two-time NBA All-Star. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the selection after Gilgeous-Alexander withdrew due to a strained abdominal muscle.

Sengun will join the World team for the Feb. 15 event at the LA Clippers' home arena in Inglewood, California. This season, the 22-year-old big man has been putting up impressive numbers, averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. His selection continues Turkey's modest NBA All-Star tradition, joining Mehmet Okur as the only Turkish players to earn the honor.

This year's All-Star Game features a new format with two U.S. teams facing one World team in a round-robin tournament. The top two teams will advance to the final, with all four games lasting 12 minutes each. Sengun's addition ensures the World team maintains its required eight players after Leonard was previously added to the U.S. roster.

The Rockets center's selection represents a significant achievement for both the player and the franchise, which has been building around its young core. Sengun's All-Star status validates Houston's development strategy and provides a major boost for a team looking to return to playoff contention.