Shaquille O'Neal has hilarious nickname for Rockets' Alperen Sengun

Hall of Fame former center Shaquille O'Neal has weighed in on one of the offseason's biggest climbers, the Houston Rockets.

Houston traded to acquire 15-time All-Star forward Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, and signed 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith, rim-rolling center Clint Capela, and guard Josh Okogie.

They'll be joining an intriguing young roster that includes All-Star center Alperen Sengun, All-Defensive Team wing Amen Thompson, appetizing forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, and one-time All-Star point guard Fred VanVleet.

Rockets on the rise

After going 52-30 but falling in the first round of the playoffs in 2024-25, the Rockets appear primed for a deep playoff run next spring. The advent of Durant gives them major flexibility in the frontcourt, plus an elite three-level scorer with championship pedigree who can take over late in close contests.

Capela (and the re-signing of free agent Steven Adams) gives the Rockets plenty of high-level center depth, and equips Houston head coach Ime Udoka with the optionality to play Sengun at the four in ultra-big lineups.

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The 7-foot-1 O'Neal, no stranger to jumbo-sized frontcourts (he did pretty well alongside 6-foot-10 power forward Horace Grant with the Orlando Magic), approves of the club's active offseason. 

During a fresh conversation with longtime NBA insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, O'Neal reflected on Durant's potential fit in Houston — and revealed his excellent nickname for Sengun.

— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) September 9, 2025

When asked what the "most underrated" move of the summer was, O'Neal picked one of the most heralded transactions instead.

"You know I don’t pay attention to the offseason but I’ll probably say Kevin Durant going to Houston probably can turn into something very special," O'Neal said.

O'Neal then offered up a rave review for Durant's new All-Star frontcourt teammate, Alperen Sengun, fresh off winning a silver medal in EuroBasket.

"The 'Turkish Terminator' that’s what we call him — and I actually love his game and hopefully they [Sengun and Durant] can put something special together," O'Neal said.

Last year, the 23-year-old "Turkish Terminator" averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.8 blocks in 76 healthy regular season bouts for Houston.

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