Ex-Sixer Shocks Fans with Bold Take on Alperen Sengun’s Rise—What Did He Say?
So here’s a curious little turn in the ongoing saga of NBA big men: can a rising star from Turkey really upend the established heavyweight champion in Furkan Korkmaz’s eyes? After seven seasons shoulder-to-shoulder with Joel Embiid, Korkmaz now stamps Alperen Şengün as the top center he’s ever played with. That’s a bold endorsement that instantly makes you pause and wonder—what magic does Şengün bring to the hardwood to make such an experienced player switch allegiances? Fresh off a monster season and dazzling performances at EuroBasket, Şengün isn’t just collecting stats; he’s rewriting narratives and turning heads. Buckle up, because this is more than your typical “best big man” debate—it’s a compelling glimpse into the shifting tides of basketball greatness.
The debate about who is the best big man in the NBA is a heated one, with numerous stars doing incredible work.
Furkan Korkmaz, who is currently representing his home country of Turkey at EuroBasket, has high praise for his teammate, Alperen Sengun.
Sengun has been playing so well at EuroBasket that it has changed Kormaz’s mind about who is the best center he’s played with.
“Until now, I thought Joel Embiid was the best big man I played with, but it’s Alperen Şengün now. Defensively and offensively, I think he’s a special kid,” Korkmaz said.
Furkan Korkmaz says Alperen Şengün is the best center he’s ever played with
“Until now I thought Joel Embiid was the best big man I played with,but it’s Alperen Şengün now. Defensively and offensively I think he’s a special kid”
(h/t @BradeauxNBA)
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 9, 2025
Korkmaz has spent seven seasons in the league, playing with the Philadelphia 76ers for all of them.
That means he has had plenty of time with Joel Embiid and has been able to witness his greatness.
But performing alongside Sengun is different, according to Korkmaz.
He says that Sengun is the whole package, someone who is able to produce on both offense and defense.
The numbers back that claim up.
Sengun just had his best season, averaging 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.
He earned his first All-Star appearance and helped the Houston Rockets reach the playoffs.
With all of that success, Sengun has earned a lot of praise and more attention.
In the 2025-26 season, expectations will be higher for Sengun and his Rockets, especially now that Kevin Durant is in the lineup.
Before the new season starts, Sengun is going to focus on doing all he can for Turkey, hoping to make his home country proud.
So far, he has done that, and he’s not only impressing Korkmaz, but everyone watching EuroBasket.
The post Former Sixers Player Turns Heads With Alperen Sengun Statement appeared first on The Cold Wire.
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