Alperen Şengün replaces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s spot in NBA All-Star World Team

Alperen Şengün’s All-Star journey took an unexpected turn this weekend, but one that perfectly fits the arc of his rise.

With Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined by a strained abdominal muscle, the NBA turned to the Houston Rockets big man to help steady the World team for this season’s All-Star Game on February 15 in Inglewood, California. For Şengün, it means a second straight All-Star nod — and another historic marker for Turkish basketball.

At just 22, Şengün has quietly evolved into one of the league’s most complete offensive centers. His season averages of 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists reflect more than production; they signal a player who now shapes games rather than simply finishing them. That versatility made him an ideal plug-in for the new U.S. vs. World format, where adaptability matters as much as star power.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who selects injury replacements, tapped Şengün to fill Gilgeous-Alexander’s slot on the World roster — a move that rewards consistency over flash. It also places Şengün among rare company. 

He is now just the second Turkish player to earn multiple All-Star selections, joining Mehmet Okur, who made his lone appearance in 2007.

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This year’s All-Star showcase carries a different texture. Instead of a single exhibition, three teams — two representing the United States and one representing the World — will compete in a round-robin tournament. The top two will advance to the final, with each game lasting 12 minutes, mirroring the intensity of a single NBA quarter. It’s a format designed for urgency, and one that could highlight Şengün’s ability to make quick reads and impact possessions in bursts.

Silver had already adjusted the roster last week by adding Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard to ensure the U.S. side met the minimum requirement of 16 players for the revamped setup. With Şengün now in the mix, the World team gains not just another scorer, but a hub — a player comfortable initiating offense, finding cutters, and carrying responsibility.

For Şengün, the call-up is less about filling in and more about belonging. What began as a replacement nod now feels like confirmation: his ascent is no longer theoretical. He’s an All-Star again, not because of circumstance, but because his game demands the stage.

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