Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is injured, so a Turkish national player steps in – who had just recently caused a stir.
Turkish national basketball player Alperen Sengün of the Houston Rockets will replace the injured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the World Team roster for the NBA All-Star Game.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the decision on Sunday. Canadian MVP Gilgeous-Alexander of NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder has to sit out due to an abdominal muscle injury; the star showcase will take place next Sunday (February 15) in Los Angeles.
Alperen Sengün replaces at the All-Star Game
NBA: Sengün draws negative attention
Sengün recently made negative headlines because he sexistically insulted a female referee and was subsequently ejected from the game. The 23-year-old has since shown remorse.
“Sometimes you just can’t control yourself, but I should have known better,” Sengün said after the duel against champions Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday (112:106). He also went to the locker room to apologize. “I shook her hand and said that it would never happen again,” Sengün added.