I read some excerpts of this in an article and Alpi said exactly what I wanted to hear. He's very self-aware about last season and admitted what he must improve. His comments on the double-big lineup were also very telling.
I watched the whole thing, it's a great interview tbh. It's interesting, I got the feeling that Alpi maybe doesn't view himself quite as prolific as his fans do just yet so he still feels like he has a lot left to prove. Definitely doesn't sound complacent at all, really cool to hear his insights into his play and the team.
I think most good to great players have that mindset. Never good enough, have to keep pushing. Good mentality to have
https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nba...-complaining-playoff/5c353310910c70df2e517550 “When it comes to us, we're not really allowed to complain,” Sengun said. “It's more of an internal thing. Ime Udoka doesn't allow it. He loses his mind if we complain."
I'm very glad Alpi isn't thin-skinned and insecure like some of his most toxic fans. He's a likeable guy and his head is screwed on tight. Glad he's a Houston Rocket.
Agree wholeheartedly. It was really great to hear him look at his performance and say he wants more. Often in these kind of podcasts the kids are feeling themselves a bit but he just comes across as super focused and driven to get better. He's a really easy player to cheer for tbh.
A clearly more mature guy compared to last year. Amazing how he just wants to be better, regardless of how much he achieved. You see that from a lot of players because they know that is what they are supposed to say but this is very real, no acting there. Interestingly no mention of 3 pt shot unless I missed it. Emphasis on getting his touch back.
It sounds like the double-big isn't so much about "hiding" his weakness on defense, but about conserving his energy for offense by not having to bang so much against big dudes down low.
Then he should know that there is the other part that is pretty demanding and challenging .....part of fandom.
Kaan Kural, the main reporter, in this interviewhas more knowledge about NBA than all those American YouTube and TV NBA reporters. He is a great and real NBA Analyst, not those clown ones.
I agree. I was surprised when he asked Alpi about zone defense and predicted that this year Houston will use it much more frequently. Alpi agreed immediately and then went on explaining why it was so effective and mentioned that Pacers game as an example and highly praised Steven Adams for orchestrating the zone.
Reversely the Zone also works in favor of the opponent and dares Alpe, Amen and Adams to shoot. Therefore you would see a little of FVV/Reed or Okogie/DFS or Tari/Durant/Bari. Everyone shooting lineups.
Kaan Kural is a legend. Interesting how big the NBA fan base was in Turkiye back in 90s. NBA was better in the 90s
