From CBS Sports · · 1m 30s
Hukporti Torn Achilles Ends 76ers Season
Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti tears Achilles tendon, ending his season early and raising center depth concerns ahead of playoffs.
In brief
Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti tears Achilles tendon, ending his season early and raising center depth concerns ahead of playoffs. Ariel Hukporti's torn Achilles tendon ends his season early, forcing the 76ers to find a center replacement before playoffs. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Ariel Hukporti
Ariel Hukporti, a former Knicks center, signed a one-year, $3.4 million deal with Philadelphia to become a quality NBA rotation player after a solid sophomore season.
Torn Achilles Injury
Hukporti suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the 76ers' preseason opener, requiring surgery later Tuesday and ending his season before it began.
Season Impact
The injury creates a major question mark for the 76ers, who added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in the offseason with championship aspirations.
Financial Challenge
The Sixers are $1.8 million below the first apron, making it difficult to sign a center without exceeding their cap and risking a trade.
Center Depth Options
The Sixers could waive Jabari Walker, a player with a $250,000 guaranteed contract until January 10, to sign a veteran minimum deal.
Limited Free Agent Centers
Available free agent centers include Mason Plumlee, Kelly Olynyk, Bismack Biyombo, Kevin Love, Chris Boucher, and Maxi Kleber, but none are particularly appealing.
Playoff Implications
With Embiid's health critical for playoffs, the 76ers may need to lean on him more than planned due to center depth concerns.
What it means
Ariel Hukporti's torn Achilles tendon ends his season early, forcing the 76ers to find a center replacement before playoffs.
