Is Alperen Sengun the answer to the Spurs' center problems?

Strengths Alperen Sengun brings to the San Antonio Spurs

To see how much buzz Sengun has gotten lately, look no further than The Athletic. At the end of April, John Hollinger boasted (subscription required) about Alperen's great hands and "Kevin-McHale-esque" footwork on the post. The last guy the Spurs had that could be described that way is about to enter the NBA Hall of Fame. Obviously, comparing the 18-year-old to either basketball legend is hyperbole, but you get the idea.

Another impressive facet of Sengun's game is his ability to be effective on multiple areas of the court. In what Hollinger calls the second-best domestic European league, he's currently second in points, rebounds, and blocks. These are his averages through 32 games this season:

19.6 PPG, 9.2 REB, 2.5 AST, 1.7 BLK, 65.2 FG%

Alperen's feel for the game is only enhanced by his impressive hands, especially for a big. Whether he's using them to set up teammates, grab boards, or finish inside, he demonstrates remarkable control.

In a more recent 2021 NBA Mock Draft (subscription required), Sam Vecenie refers to Alperen's hands as "elite" with a skill for creating separation from his man. In a system built around driving guards and forwards, having a center capable of helping out offensively would do wonders for a Spurs offense currently ranked 21st.

While there's plenty to be excited about with Alperen, there are a few causes for concern in taking him over some other guys in the draft.