NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2026 – Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Team World for the 75th NBA All-Star Game.
The announcement comes after Gilgeous-Alexander sustained an abdominal strain, sidelining him for at least two weeks, including the All-Star break. The injury, revealed on Wednesday, creates a vacancy on Team World in the league’s new USA vs. World format. Sengun’s selection provides a significant boost to the international squad, adding a versatile big man who has emerged as a key player for the Rockets.
The 75th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. ET at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., airing on NBC and Peacock. The game will feature a round-robin mini-tournament with four 12-minute games between two teams of U.S. Players (USA Stars and USA Stripes) and Team World.
Sengun, a native of Turkey, earns his second consecutive All-Star selection, having been recognized for the first time last season. This year’s nod is particularly noteworthy, considering he was initially left off the All-Star roster despite improved statistics and a strong performance for the Rockets. His inclusion as an injury replacement acknowledges his rising status in the league and the impact he’s having on Houston’s success.
In his fifth NBA season, Sengun is averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and a career-high 6.3 assists in 44 games. He currently ranks 30th in the NBA in scoring, 10th in rebounding, and 16th in assists per game. He’s also posting career bests in steals (1.41) and blocks (1.0). These all-around contributions have been instrumental in the Rockets’ impressive 32-19 record, which places them tied for fourth place in the competitive Western Conference.
Sengun joins an exclusive group of players this season, becoming one of only three to average at least 20.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. He’s joined by fellow 2026 All-Stars Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks and Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, highlighting his unique skillset and impact on the game.
The fact that Sengun’s scoring has increased from 19.1 points per game last season to 20.8 this season, coupled with his significant jump in assists from 4.9 to 6.3, clearly demonstrates his growth as a player. He now leads the Rockets in assists, a responsibility that was anticipated when Fred VanVleet joined the team in 2023.
Gilgeous-Alexander, an eight-year NBA veteran from Canada, was voted a starter for Team World, earning his fourth straight All-Star selection. His absence is a blow to the All-Star game, as he is averaging 31.8 points on 55.4% shooting, along with 4.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.3 steals for the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (40-11 record). He had established himself as a strong contender for the MVP award.
The NBA previously added Kawhi Leonard to the USA player pool and moved Karl-Anthony Towns – who is half-Dominican – to Team World to balance the rosters after Giannis Antetokounmpo was also ruled out due to a calf injury. The league will likely employ a similar approach in filling Gilgeous-Alexander’s spot, prioritizing players who can contribute to a competitive and entertaining All-Star Game.
While Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz, who ranks ninth in the league with 27.4 points per game, was considered a potential replacement, Sengun’s overall contributions to the game – his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking ability – ultimately made him the preferred choice. He provides a unique blend of skills that will be valuable to Team World as they compete against the U.S. Squads.
Sengun’s selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it’s a significant moment for both the player and the Houston Rockets organization. It also underscores the growing international presence in the NBA and the league’s commitment to showcasing the best basketball talent from around the world.
Team rosters are available here.
