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76ers officially sign 7-foot ex-Knicks NBA champion center to help Tyrese Maxey originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Tyrese Maxey-led Philadelphia 76ers have added a 7-foot former New York Knicks NBA champion center to the fold to beef up their frontcourt.
According to a July 6 press release, the move has been finalized.
“Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey announced today that the team has signed Ariel Hukporti,” the franchise’s press release read. “Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.”
“In 54 games for the New York Knicks last season, Hukporti, 24, averaged 2.2 points on 56.3% shooting and 2.9 rebounds in 9.2 minutes. The 7-0 center notched career highs in rebounds (16), assists (4), and blocked shots (4), to go along with eight points against Atlanta on Jan. 2, 2026.
“Hukporti registered a career-high 12 points and added nine boards and two blocks against Washington (Wizards) on Feb. 3, 2026. Hukporti appeared in 10 playoff games for New York during its championship run, averaging 1.7 points and 3.2 rebounds in 7.6 minutes.”
After spending the first six years of his career overseas (Riesen Ludwigsburg, Nevezis Kedaniniai, and Melbourne United), Hukporti was selected by the Knicks with the No. 58 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
While the Stralsund, Germany native won a championship with the Knicks in Year 2, he hasn’t been much of a factor with the franchise thus far due to his inability to stretch the floor and serve as a switchable defender off the bench.
Perhaps Hukporti could transform into a serviceable big man with the 76ers, though, as he possesses a high motor, has shown some potential as a screener, and has the physical attributes necessary to elevate his game to new heights.
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