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League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Rockets general manager Rafael Stone visits Alperen Şengün in Türkiye

4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 12:13 PM

Last updated Sep 13, 2026

Rockets general manager Rafael Stone visits Alperen Şengün in Türkiye
Summary

Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone spent two weeks in Türkiye this summer visiting center Alperen Şengün to foster their professional relationship. The trip followed specific requests from Şengün for better communication between the front office and players. During the stay in Istanbul and Bodrum, the two discussed team dynamics and expectations away from the daily demands of the NBA schedule. Şengün, who recently helped Türkiye secure a spot in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, has emerged as a vocal leader for the Rockets alongside teammates like Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson. Stone noted that he intended the visit to improve his own transparency with the team and strengthen his connection with the 24-year-old center as the franchise builds its core roster.

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By the Numbers
  • •Rafael Stone visited Alperen Şengün in Türkiye for two weeks during the NBA offseason.
  • •Şengün requested more direct and frequent communication from the general manager.
  • •The trip included time in Istanbul and Bodrum to focus on personal and professional connection.
  • •Alperen Şengün recently helped the national team qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
  • •The Rockets have secured key young players including Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason.
Latest Updates
  • 12:13 PMYahoo Sports — What Sengun-Stone Quote Says About Rockets Leader For 2026-27
  • 7:37 PMYahoo Sports — Rockets GM flew to Turkey amid NBA offseason to meet with Alperen Sengun
  • 4:21 PMYahoo Sports — Alperen Sengun wants more communication with Rockets GM Rafael Stone
  • 9:48 PMYahoo Sports — Why Rockets GM Rafael Stone felt it was 'important' to spend time with Alperen Şengün in Türkiye
What they're saying
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The Houston Rockets' General Manager Rafael Stone was recently asked about the offseason of his star center, Alperen Sengun. The amusing Sengun-Stone story that followed has interesting implications for Sengun's leadership. Does Alperen Sengun Have a Leadership Mentality? Sengun was arguably the Rockets' most important player last season. 12-time All-NBA superstar Kevin Durant may have …

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Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone talked about the two weeks he spent in Türkiye this summer connecting with his star player Alperen Şengün.

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“We had some good conversations at the end of last year, and part of it was him putting pressure on me,” Rafael Stone says of Alperen Sengun.

Related Teams & Leagues
Houston RocketsPhoenix SunsNBABasketball

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