Rockets' Alperen Şengün to replace injured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in NBA All-Star Game

Şengün will join "Team World" under the All-Star Game's new USA vs. the World format.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Commissioner Adam Silver selected Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün to replace Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the 2026 All-Star Game. Gilgeous-Alexander, the league's reigning MVP, has been out since suffering an abdominal injury and will miss the game. Şengün, who is averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 6.3 assists this season, will make his second consecutive All-Star appearance.

Why it matters

The 2026 All-Star Game will feature a new format pitting U.S. stars against international stars, making Şengün's selection to the World team significant. As a rising star in the league, Şengün's inclusion in the marquee event showcases the NBA's global reach and the continued growth of international talent.

The details

Şengün, a 23-year-old Turkish player, will replace Canada's Gilgeous-Alexander on the World team alongside other international stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama. Şengün joins Houston teammate Kevin Durant as the second Rockets player to be named an All-Star this season.

  • Şengün was selected by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Alperen Şengün

A 23-year-old center for the Houston Rockets who is making his second consecutive NBA All-Star appearance.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard and reigning NBA MVP who will miss the 2026 All-Star Game due to an abdominal injury.

Adam Silver

The Commissioner of the National Basketball Association who selected Şengün to replace Gilgeous-Alexander on the World team.

Kevin Durant

Şengün's Houston Rockets teammate who was also named an NBA All-Star this season.

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What they’re saying

“It was just the heat of the moment, and I said some stuff I shouldn't have said. I felt bad about it. Right after the game, I went to (the referees') locker room. I (shook her) hand and apologized to her. That was immature by me. I should know better.”

— Alperen Şengün

What’s next

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The takeaway

Şengün's selection to the World team for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game highlights the continued globalization of the league and the rise of international talent. As a young star, his inclusion in the marquee event showcases the NBA's efforts to promote its global appeal and the diverse pool of talent that makes up the league.