Alperen Sengun replaces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at All-Star Game
Alperen Sengun joins Team World for the 2026 All-Star Game. The Turkish center from the Houston Rockets replaces the injured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his second consecutive All-Star selection.
Jan 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Adam Silver officially announced Sunday the selection of Alperen Sengun to replace Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the 2026 All-Star Game. The reigning MVP of the Thunder must withdraw due to an abdominal injury sustained on February 3rd during the victory against Orlando Magic.
Sengun, initially overlooked during the coaches’ reserve selection, finally earns his second consecutive All-Star nod. The 6’11 » Turkish center thus joins Team World for the event scheduled for February 15th in Inglewood, at the LA Clippers’ arena.
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 2026 NBA All-Star Game (Sunday, 2/15 on NBC & Peacock). pic.twitter.com/CuDLNeASsS
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2026
A breakout season for the Rockets center
At 24 years old, Alperen Sengun is having his most accomplished NBA season with impressive averages of 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 6.3 assists. These statistics reflect the Turkish player’s evolution, who has notably developed his playmaking abilities in the absence of Fred VanVleet.
His explosion the day after the All-Star Game reserves announcement, with 39 points and 16 rebounds against the Pacers, likely tipped the scales. Sengun thus becomes the second Turkish player in history to be selected twice to the All-Star Game, after Mehmet Okur who was chosen once in 2007.
A luxury frontcourt for Team World
With this selection, Sengun joins a particularly formidable frontcourt within Team World. He will play alongside Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama and Karl-Anthony Towns, thus forming an exceptional frontline for this new USA vs World format.
Team World, coached by Darko Rajakovic, also includes Luka Doncic (whose participation remains uncertain), Deni Avdija, Jamal Murray and Pascal Siakam. This 2026 All-Star Game adopts a new format with three teams: two USA teams (Stars and Stripes) and one World team, competing in a single-elimination tournament consisting of 12-minute games.
The team rosters are set for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.
USA Stars, USA Stripes and Team World will compete in a round-robin mini-tournament with four 12-minute games.
Watch the 75th NBA All-Star Game on @NBAonNBC on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 PM ET. pic.twitter.com/eOVyqvva4D
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 4, 2026
Fred VanVleet
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Victor Wembanyama
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Nikola Jokic
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Alperen Sengun
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Pascal Siakam
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Luka Doncic
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Jamal Murray
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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Deni Avdija
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Houston Rockets
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With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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