The Philadelphia 76ers’ center Ariel Hukporti suffers a season-ending ruptured right Achilles tendon after tearing it during a preseason game against the New York Knicks. Multiple outlets report the injury occurs in the first quarter on a non-contact play, and Hukporti exits the game after grabbing at his right leg.
The 76ers say Hukporti will undergo surgery, with the procedure expected to take place later on Tuesday, following imaging and assessment. He signed with Philadelphia in July on a one-year deal reported at $3.4 million, intended to add frontcourt depth behind Joel Embiid, and several reports frame his absence as a major blow to the team’s center rotation and depth.
Outlets also note that Hukporti had been in line for increased playing time in Philadelphia compared with a more limited role in New York, while others focus on how the injury leaves the 76ers with a roster challenge at the backup center position. Despite the setback, at least one report says Philadelphia still wins the preseason matchup.
