The list of superstars Kevin Durant has played with reads like a Hall of Fame induction ceremony: Stephen Curry, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker. Yet, in Houston, he may have found his most perfectly complementary partner yet: Alperen Şengün. While not the most decorated name on that list, the young Turkish center possesses a unique skillset that creates a symbiotic basketball relationship with Durant, arguably the most natural fit of his storied career.
The key to unlocking the best version of Durant lies in understanding what he does better than anyone: he is arguably the most unstoppable jump shooter in history. To optimize that, his co-star must apply relentless pressure on the rim, forcing defenses to collapse and creating the precious space Durant thrives in.
By this logic, players like Irving and Booker, who are also mid-range and three-point maestros, were often awkward fits. They occupied similar spaces on the floor, leading to a less dynamic offensive flow. Even the highly successful partnership with Curry was built more on overwhelming, historically unique shooting talent than on a perfect schematic fit.
Houston Rockets v Atlanta Hawks
This is where Alperen Şengün enters the conversation as a potentially ideal match. His game is built on interior dominance, elite playmaking from the post, and a relentless attack on the basket. He is a quintessential rim pressurer.
This creates a perfect “inside-out” synergy with Durant:
Şengün operates from the paint and elbows, drawing defensive attention.
This gravity opens up driving lanes and shooting pockets for Durant on the perimeter.
Defenses are trapped in an impossible choice: collapse on Şengün and leave Durant open, or stay home on Durant and let Şengün go to work one-on-one.
This dynamic is a primary reason the Houston Rockets currently boast the #1 Offensive Rating in the NBA (126.5).
The comparison to a prime Russell Westbrook—another legendary rim attacker—is valid, but Şengün offers an additional dimension: elite off-ball screening. While Westbrook was often most effective with the ball in his hands, Şengün can set devastating screens for Durant, diversifying their two-man game and creating even more offensive variety than the Durant-Westbrook pairing could.
Kevin Durant has won championships with all-time greats. But in terms of pure, seamless, on-court fit, Alperen Şengün presents a compelling case for being his most natural partner. He doesn’t just coexist with Durant; he actively makes Durant’s game easier, and vice-versa. This perfect synergy isn’t just a luxury—it’s the engine that could propel the Rockets much further than anyone anticipated.