Slumps happen to every player over the course of an NBA season, and usually they’re handled behind closed doors: extra film sessions, tougher practices, maybe a quiet word from the coaching staff. But every now and then, frustration spills into the public spotlight, and that’s when things start to feel a bit different.
That’s exactly the situation Alperen Sengun found himself in recently after a pointed remark from head coach Ime Udoka caught attention around the league. The comment didn’t just get fans talking; it also prompted a reaction from a couple of former NBA players who felt the moment said more than just a routine critique.
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Well, what exactly did Udoka say that sparked all this reaction? After Houston’s 109–99 loss to Charlotte, Ime Udoka was asked about opponents repeatedly targeting Alperen Sengun in pick-and-roll situations. He didn’t dress it up, responding bluntly, “It’s been the case since I’ve been here, so no different there.”
The comment quickly stood out because it came right after a tough night for Sengun, who managed just seven points on 3-of-11 shooting in 28 minutes as the Rockets struggled to keep pace.
The public nature of the remark didn’t sit well with some former players. DeMarcus Cousins, speaking on Run It Back, said, “I’m okay with the message… but you embarrassed him publicly and could possibly ruin his confidence and chemistry. It’s a distraction.”
Lou Williams shared a similar view, adding, “As a former player, I would have hated if my coach said this about me.” Their reactions shifted the conversation from Sengun’s performance to whether the criticism should have stayed behind closed doors.