The Rockets will likely have lots of salary cap room in 2023, and longtime Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner has been speculated by some as a potential Houston target in free agency. After all, Turner is a pending free agent, and he does have Texas roots.

The argument against signing Turner, however, is that Houston already has a promising player at center. At 20 years old and in just his second NBA season, Alperen Sengun is currently averaging 14.4 points (53.8% FG) and 9.0 rebounds in 26.9 minutes per game.

While the 26-year-old Turner is still the better player, and especially as a shot blocker, it’s certainly possible that Sengun could further close that gap in the years ahead. If that happens, one person who might not be entirely surprised is Turner himself.

In a new interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson” of Bally Sports, Turner identified Sengun as one of his favorite players to watch in the entire NBA. Among his comments:

I like the kid from Houston, Alperen Şengün. I like the way he plays, and I like the way he carries himself. His court vision is crazy, and so he’s one of my favorite guys to watch.

Sengun had 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in Houston’s home loss versus Turner and the Pacers on Nov. 18. The Rockets will make their return visit to Indiana on Thursday, March 9.