The Houston Rockets are putting together another strong regular season under head coach Ime Udoka. The offseason trade for Kevin Durant has paid dividends through 51 games, and the roster is one of just five teams with top-10 offensive and defensive ratings.
Nonetheless, there have been some notable issues on the defensive end this season, prompting Udoka to criticize one of his best players. Those comments later drew criticism from a former NBA star.
DeMarcus Cousins Airs His Frustration With Ime Udoka’s Criticism of Alperen Şengün
Following the Rockets’ home loss to the Charlotte Hornets last Thursday, Udoka was asked about opponents targeting center Alperen Şengün in pick-and-roll coverage and switches. Udoka immediately dismissed the notion that such targeting was a new development.
The third-year Houston coach instead admitted it has been an ongoing concern since his arrival in Houston. Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins took issue with those remarks. On an episode of the “Run It Back” show, the retired center warned of potential unintended consequences.
“I’m okay with the message, especially if it’s in the locker room, especially if it’s a one-on-one conversation,” Cousins said. “It’s just the part about it being public. You embarrassed him publicly, you could possibly ruin his confidence, you could possibly ruin chemistry, and it’s a distraction.”
. @boogiecousins says it’s “not okay” for Ime Udoka to publicly call out Alperen Sengun’s defense 🙅♂️
“I’m okay with the message… but you embarrassed him publicly and could possibly ruin his confidence and chemistry. It’s a distraction.”@MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/QbEYFmg7vf
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 9, 2026
At 23 years old, Şengün is a rising NBA star who was recently selected as an All-Star replacement. There have been flashes of promise on the defensive end for the Giresun, Türkiye, native this season.
In fact, Şengün is averaging career highs in both blocks and steals. However, advanced metrics paint a different picture of the fourth-year center’s overall defensive impact. The Rockets are allowing 7.4 more points per 100 possessions with Şengün on the court compared to when he is off it.
That marks a significant drop from last season, when Houston was a net positive with him on the floor, allowing 2.7 fewer points per 100 possessions in those minutes. Personnel changes have also played a role, particularly with Dillon Brooks no longer on the roster and Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams sidelined for the season.
Still, the Rockets possess more upside than they did a year ago when operating at their best. This remains a team expected to peak in the postseason and one that has the personnel to contend for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
For now, Houston will continue battling for position in a crowded Western Conference. Şengün’s defensive performance will need to improve if the Rockets hope to secure a top-four seed.
