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The Houston Rockets selected Alperen Sengun No.
16 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, and he has since evolved into one of the most versatile and creative big men in the league.
In 2025-26, while still just 23 years old, Sengun averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game and earned his second straight All-Star nod.
But still, not everyone sees him as elite.
Sengun was voted the "Most Overrated Player" in The Athletic's annual anonymous player survey in May.
Even former NBA champion Robert Horry recently called out the Turkish center, calling him "basic and boring" and saying, "There's just nothing flashy about him." Sengun has been the topic of debate amongst fans across social media, and now rookie Labaron Philon Jr., who was recently taken No.
22 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, made his thoughts on the Rockets star clear.
On NBA 2K League's "Deflected," Philon was asked whose ankles he's breaking first now that he's in the league.
Instead of staying in his conference or taking aim at a franchise rival, he took a shot at Sengun.
"Sengun, for sure.
Like I said, I be on TikTok a lot, and they be saying he plays like he's got a refrigerator on his back or something like that," Philon said.
More news: Concerning Nikola Jokic Development Emerges Before Free Agency Philon is a 6-foot-3 guard who averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game last season with the Crimson Tide.
He shot 50.1% from the field, 39.9% from 3-point range, and earned third-team All-American honors as a sophomore.
Sixers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey admitted he was "a little bit surprised" Philon was still available when Philly picked him up at No.
22 in the draft.
Leading up to the draft, he was considered a top 20 talent with many analysts projecting him to go several picks higher.
One part of his game that scouts repeatedly praised was his ball handling.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie described Philon as the "epitome of 'if you reach, I teach' ballhandler" for the way he baits defenders into lunging before blowing by them.
NBADraft.net's Aran Smith noted his ability to "consistently shake defenders" and "put them on skates." More news: Kawhi Leonards Next Team Could Be Another Western Conference Powerhouse More news: Could LeBron James Return to the Miami Heat? Stephen A.
Smith Thinks So It's clear that Philadelphia got a steal with Philon in the draft.
He's a pure scorer with elite ball-handling skills who can help lead the second unit behind an ascending backcourt duo of VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
And apparently, he's not afraid to show the rest of the NBA what he's got.