Rafael Stone flies 10,000 miles to Turkey and the untold story behind his 'friendship' with Alperen Şengün

People see a vacation trip; I see an extremely calculated strategic move.

At 44, when most NBA executives are sitting in Houston offices with transfer spreadsheets, Rafael Stone — General Manager of the Houston Rockets — is sitting in a small tea house in İzmir, Turkey, chatting with a 22-year-old who just completed his third NBA season. Two weeks. Ten working days, four days of relaxation. Not a vacation. This is a campaign.

Since 2026, I've witnessed countless relationships built between front office and players — from Phil Jackson with Michael Jordan to Daryl Morey with James Harden. But the way Stone approaches Alperen Şengün makes me pause and think. This isn't just friendship. This is a calculated move — a carefully planned chess move on the transfer board.

Şengün is becoming what they need most: An identity anchor

Houston Rockets have gone through three seasons of rebuilding. Three years full of lottery picks, promising young talents, and moments of brilliance that faded into oblivion. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson — all have potential, but none of them brings the 'this is our guy' feeling like Şengün does.

I remember my trip to Kazan in 2026, when Germany lost to South Korea and the world was shocked by the defending champions. Back then I understood: any team that finds an 'anchor' — a player who not only scores but defines the team's culture — will have the greatest competitive advantage. Şengün is becoming that anchor for the Rockets.

In the 2026-24 season, Şengün ranked third in All-Star fan voting among forwards/centers, behind names like Anthony Edwards and Luka Dončić. That's not accidental. That's the result of a deliberately constructed development path.

'You don't need someone yelling at you 24/7' — The quote shaping Rockets' future

Stone recounted that Şengün told him: 'In the first couple years, you were always on Şengün.' That's the gentle way a 22-year-old Turkish man wants his team to change their approach. He doesn't want excessive supervision. He wants to be trusted.

And here's where I think many will miss the point: This isn't just personal between Stone and Şengün. This is a message to the entire Houston Rockets locker room.

When a GM spends two weeks with a young player, drinking tea, eating kebabs, talking about life instead of basketball — that's how you build culture. That's how you tell Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson: 'We care about you as people, not just as assets.'

I've monitored many locker rooms in 44 years as a commentator. The most successful teams — from peak Warriors to current Celtics — all have one thing in common: Players feel heard, respected, and trusted.

The uncomfortable truth nobody wants to admit: Rockets are under pressure to win — and they know it

Stone said directly: 'Houston Rockets organization knows it's time to compete.' After three years of rebuilding, with the youngest roster in the league, with players who have developed fast enough — they no longer have reasons to wait.

But here's where I must ask the question many will avoid: Is the current roster strong enough to compete in the Western Conference?

In 2026, I said Salah would break the Premier League record when everyone was laughing. I was right. But I've also been wrong when rating other young teams too highly. Where are the current Rockets on that scale?

Let's look at reality: Western Conference 2026-25 will be extremely brutal. Denver Nuggets remain championship contenders. Oklahoma City Thunder have become a real force. Dallas Mavericks with Luka and Kyrie will be stronger. Minnesota Timberwolves are on their way to becoming contenders. To make the top six, Rockets need a breakthrough.

Şengün holds the key — but is the playoff door wide enough?

Şengün has shown intelligent play, great game reading, and incredible footwork for a big man. His style — especially his playmaking ability from the center position — is redefining the modern big man role in the NBA.

But here's the weakness I've always worried about: Defense. Şengün is not an excellent rim protector. He can't switch at every position like Anthony Davis. In crucial games, when opponents target this weakness, Rockets may face problems.

However, I think Stone and Ime Udoka's coaching staff understand this. They may not need Şengün to become an excellent defender — they can build a defensive system around him, covering weaknesses, maximizing strengths.

The Kevin Durant story — information needs verification

I must pause here and clarify: In the original article, there's information that makes me skeptical. According to it, 'Kevin Durant is on the Houston Rockets roster.' I must say directly: As of when I'm writing this, Kevin Durant is still a player for Phoenix Suns. He is not on the Rockets roster.

This could be misinformation, a rumor presented as fact, or a future prediction. Whatever it is, I cannot verify its accuracy, and I recommend readers check with authoritative sources before accepting it absolutely.

But if — and I emphasize 'if' — Rockets really intend to bring Durant in, that would be a different kind of hit compared to the current young development philosophy. Durant is 35 years old, with an Achilles injury history. He's a Hall of Famer, but age catches up with everyone.

Such a move would completely change the Rockets' landscape. From a developing young team, they would become a 'win-now team' — a team that needs to win immediately. And that could create conflict with the development path of Şengün, Green, and Smith Jr. themselves.

Why this trip matters more than you think

Stone said he had been 'talking about this trip for four years.' Four years. That's the entire time Şengün has been in the NBA. This is the first time Stone actually did it.

Why now?

Because Şengün is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He's about to get extended. And this extension could be a max contract worth $35-40 million per year. This is the biggest financial deal in Rockets history since James Harden.

Stone is building the foundation for that negotiation. He doesn't just want Şengün to sign — he wants Şengün to WANT to stay. He wants one of the world's brightest young talents to feel Rockets is home, not a temporary stop.

Closing: This season will answer everything

In 44 years of following the NBA, I've learned one thing: Nothing is defined until the ball is actually thrown. All we have are expectations, relationships, and promises.

Rafael Stone went to Turkey and told Alperen Şengün: 'I want to hear from you more.' Şengün responded: 'I want to hear from you more.'

That's how relationships begin. That's how teams become unified. And that's why, despite no statistics, despite no games played — I believe Houston Rockets are at an important moment.

The 2026-25 season will tell us whether Şengün can become a true franchise cornerstone, or just another promising talent like many before.

But one thing I'm certain: Rafael Stone has placed his bet. And he's not a reckless gambler.

Stay tuned: Will Şengün get a max contract? Can Rockets really compete in the Western Conference? And if Kevin Durant really comes to Houston — will that change everything or break everything?

We'll know when the season starts. But for now, let me say one thing: Şengün is being loved the right way. That, at least, is undeniable.