76ers Center Ariel Hukporti Out For The Season After Injury In Preseason

Five minutes into the preseason opener against the New York Knicks, 76ers backup center Ariel Hukporti suffered an Achilles tear.

The noncontact injury occurred with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter. Hukporti fell and immediately grabbed his lower right leg.

The big man signed a one-year, $3.4 million free agent contract in July after winning the finals with the Knicks.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse said after the win that Hukporti would get imaging on his right Achilles the following day.

Hukporti’s new teammates offered support and concern for the 24-year-old German.

“Huk has been a joy to have,” Jaylen Brown said. “He’s been great in the locker room, so it sucks to see a guy like that go down.” 

Jabari Walker came off the bench to fill in for Hukporti as a stretch big, finishing with 11 points (3-for-5 on 3-pointers) and 11 rebounds in 19 minutes. Walker feels that he has already grown close with Hukporti in a short amount of time.

“He’s like my brother,” Walker said. “It’s especially hard for me because I see the work he puts in. He just came to training camp and his energy has been great. He’s a great locker room guy. Man … that messed me up, honestly.” 

 “I just saw him for a little bit during the game. Gave him a big hug. He’s been a joy to coach in the short time he’s been here. Really a good dude. So, we’ll just hope for the best,” Nurse added.

The injury has put the 76ers in a tough spot with no healthy backup for Joel Embiid. Adem Bona and Tacko Fall are currently out with injuries, with Bona who has yet to participate in training camp after an injury with the Turkish national team.