Rockets' Sengun Named All-Star Replacement for Gilgeous-Alexander

The 24-year-old Turkish center will make his second All-Star appearance.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The NBA announced that Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun will replace the injured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder on the World team roster for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. Sengun, who was also an All-Star last season, is averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game this year.

Why it matters

Sengun's selection marks the second time a player from Turkey has been named an NBA All-Star, with Mehmet Okur being the first in 2007. The young center's inclusion on the World team roster highlights the growing international talent in the league.

The details

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver chose Sengun as the injury replacement for Gilgeous-Alexander, who had to withdraw due to a strained abdominal muscle. The All-Star starters are selected through a weighted voting system involving fans, media, and current players, while the reserves are chosen by the league's head coaches.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will take place on February 15 in Inglewood, California.
  • Sengun was also named an NBA All-Star last season.

The players

Alperen Sengun

A 24-year-old Turkish center for the Houston Rockets, making his second NBA All-Star appearance.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard who had to withdraw from the All-Star Game due to a strained abdominal muscle.

Mehmet Okur

The only other Turkish player to be named an NBA All-Star, in 2007.

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who selected Sengun as the injury replacement for the All-Star Game.

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What’s next

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will take place on February 15 in Inglewood, California, where Sengun will make his second All-Star appearance.

The takeaway

Sengun's selection as an All-Star replacement highlights the growing international talent in the NBA, with the young Turkish center following in the footsteps of Mehmet Okur as the second player from the country to earn the prestigious honor.