Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has a bright future in the NBA, but he’s not quickly forgetting the path that got him here.

During his first two seasons in the league, Sengun grew up a lot alongside KJ Martin with the Stephen Silas-era Rockets. Even though they lost a lot, they matured together to build their careers in the championship.

After Sengun and the Rockets beat Martin and the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, the two exchanged jerseys and the Houston center posted the interaction on social media.

Martin, who was a second-round pick of the Rockets in the 2020 NBA Draft, was traded after the 2022-23 campaign to the Los Angeles Clippers for two future second-round picks. After just two games with the Clippers, Martin was then traded to the Sixers in a blockbuster trade involving former teammate James Harden.

Since then, Martin has been trying to find his place in the NBA, but he is starting to carve out a role for himself with the Sixers, decimated by injuries. So far this season, Martin is averaging 4.4 points per game while playing 16.5 minutes per game.

There may be a world in which Martin and Sengun become teammates again, but for now, they’ll compete against each other on the court.

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