From PhillyVoice · · 3m
Can Hukporti become the Sixers' backup center?
The Sixers signed a raw seven-footer with just 715 NBA minutes to be their primary backup center alongside LeBron James.
In brief
The Sixers signed a raw seven-footer with just 715 NBA minutes to be their primary backup center alongside LeBron James. Hukporti's success depends on whether he can handle increased minutes, reduce turnovers, and earn LeBron James' trust in pick-and-roll situations. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Quick answers
- Can he handle the workload?
- The key question is whether Hukporti has the endurance to play 30-plus minutes in games where Joel Embiid sits out.
- What is the key takeaway from Can Hukporti become the Sixers' backup center??
- Hukporti's success depends on whether he can handle increased minutes, reduce turnovers, and earn LeBron James' trust in pick-and-roll situations.
Sixers land LeBron James
After trading Paul George, the Sixers acquired five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown and signed LeBron James, creating one of the most talented starting lineups in recent NBA history.
Meet Ariel Hukporti
The Sixers signed the 7-foot, 246-pound center to a one-year, 3.4 million dollar deal to add youth and athleticism to their center depth chart.
Limited NBA experience
Hukporti spent two seasons as a little-used third-string center for the championship-winning New York Knicks, playing just 715 NBA minutes total.
A ball of clay
For a player of his size, Hukporti moves well, making him moldable into the Sixers' ideal backup center, but his limited experience leaves much unknown.
Can he handle the workload?
The key question is whether Hukporti has the endurance to play 30-plus minutes in games where Joel Embiid sits out.
Foul trouble is a concern
Both Hukporti and backup center Adem Bona are prone to picking up too many fouls, which could force either one to play significant unplanned minutes.
Rebounding looks strong
Hukporti has averaged 14.6 rebounds per 100 possessions, a fairly strong mark for a backup center.
Turnovers are a red flag
He has committed 3.7 turnovers per 100 possessions, but with only five games exceeding 22 minutes, it is hard to know if this is a real weakness.
Limited sample size
With so few minutes played, Hukporti's true strengths and weaknesses at the NBA level remain unclear.
Sixers must scout him closely
The team needs to monitor Hukporti's practice performances and regular-season appearances to develop him into a long-term bench big.
LeBron's trust is essential
For backup centers like Hukporti, earning the confidence of LeBron James, the team's quarterback, is critical to getting consistent minutes.
Pick-and-roll partnership
Much of Hukporti's minutes will likely come running pick-and-roll with James, who makes reads a split second earlier than anyone else.
Hands matter with LeBron
When James finds Hukporti rolling to the rim with open space, the center must catch and finish cleanly or James will stop making the pass.
Deadline to prove himself
Hukporti and Adem Bona have until the trade deadline to show they deserve consistent minutes and LeBron's trust.
Backup center could change
If Hukporti and Bona cannot prove themselves, the Sixers will likely acquire a new backup center for the stretch run of the season.
The bottom line
Hukporti's success depends on whether he can handle increased minutes, reduce turnovers, and earn LeBron James' trust in pick-and-roll situations.
