NBA Rumors: Rockets To Make Surprising Change To Starting Lineup

As soon as the Houston Rockets traded center/forward Christian Wood to the Dallas Mavericks this summer, it was pretty set in stone that they were freeing up the starting center spot for second-year talent Alperen Sengun. But something funny happened along the road to opening night, and now reports have Bruno Fernando likely overtaking Sengun for the starting spot.

Bruno Fernando has emerged as a strong possibility to start at center instead of Alperen Sengun on opening night, @KellyIko writes.

Both have been used with the Rockets first team recently in practice.https://t.co/AQ0b1riLqv pic.twitter.com/tKoKadtZrD

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) October 19, 2022

According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, "Fernando has emerged as a strong possibility to start at center instead of Sengun on opening night, The Athletic understands. Both have been used with the first team recently in practice. Fernando has made impressions with the team for his physicality and improving defense, rebounding ability and rim running — well-equipped athletically to play in Houston’s up-tempo system."

The Rockets surprised many when they signed the unheralded Fernando to a long-term extension earlier this month, but now it appears there was a method to the madness. 

Some Rockets observers, and Sengun fans, however, are questioning the move. 

Alpy Sengun coming off the bench would be disappointing:
1) he's not supplanted by a great option. Bruno Fernando isn't the long term answer
2) it's an admission that Sengun isn't a core piece. If he were, then developing chemistry w/ Green, Porter & Smith would be priority #1

— Draft Dummies (@DraftDummies) October 19, 2022

It was thought that Sengun would be a big piece of the Rockets' future, but as some are pointing out, not having him in the starting lineup to develop chemistry with the starting unit of Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and rookie Jabari Smith is puzzling.  

Photo: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports