Ariel Hukporti faces a long spell on the sidelines. The German centre for the Philadelphia 76ers picked up an injury just a few minutes into his first pre-season game with his new team.
After less than five minutes of the match against the New York Knicks, Ariel Hukporti went down without any contact from an opponent as he attempted to sprint to the three-point line to defend a shot by Karl-Anthony Towns. The big man immediately clutched his right leg. It is suspected that his Achilles tendon has been affected.
“We’ll carry out an examination tomorrow and take a look at his right Achilles tendon,” said coach Nick Nurse. Hukporti’s former coach, Mike Brown, also wished the German all the best: “He’s a fantastic young man and I hope he recovers as quickly as possible, whatever it is that’s happened.” “
Should the suspicion be confirmed, this would already be the second serious Achilles tendon injury of his career. The centre tore his left Achilles tendon four years ago whilst still playing for Melbourne United in Australia. At the time, Hukporti missed the entire season.
Hukporti was in the starting line-up
Hukporti started against his former team, as Joel Embiid, along with LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey, were still being rested. Backup centre Adem Bona was also absent, as he was not yet available due to foot problems following his appearances for the Turkish national team. Training guest Tacko Fall was also absent due to a hip injury.
Hukporti won the championship with the New York Knicks the previous season, but then moved to Philadelphia, where he signed a one-year contract worth $3.4 million. He was intended to play a backup role behind Embiid. Over the summer, the centre was on international duty but did not make his international debut due to a minor injury.
The Sixers won the game 120–97, with Jaylen Brown leading the scoring with 22 points (8/13 FG) in just under 17 minutes. Meanwhile, the Knicks fielded almost their full-strength side, with only Jose Alvarado missing. The starting line-up played only in the first half, during which Jalen Brunson and O.G. Anunoby each scored twelve points.