PHILADELPHIA — Former Knicks player Ariel Hukporti suffered a non-contact injury just five minutes into his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers during their preseason opener. The center collapsed on the court after planting his foot and was seen holding the back of his right ankle. He was assisted off the court by former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns.
Hukporti, who played two seasons with the Knicks and won a championship as the third-string center, signed a one-year, $3.4 million contract with the Sixers after leaving the Knicks in free agency. The Knicks are now looking for center depth following the loss of second-stringer Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics.
Before the game, Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed his support for Hukporti, stating, "You got a special person. I know he’s gonna work his tail off. He’s athletic, he’s quick, he’s strong, he’s relentless. This is Year 3 for him, and I know that he can do more than probably what he showed. And to be able to come in this environment, knowing he has a chance to fight for some true backup minutes. He was the third guy with us behind Mitch and KAT. To know he can impact the game on another level. He might be able to start. To be able to fight for that here, I’m happy for him, and everybody will be pleasantly surprised what he brings to the table every time he steps on the floor."
Brown also commented on the Sixers' roster, noting their star power. "They’re just loaded, man. Multiple-time All-Star, multiple-time All-Star, multiple-time All-Star. … MVP candidate, MVP candidate, MVP candidate. I remember back in the day, [Gregg Popovich] said, when I was an assistant for him with the Spurs, that there is a change from having two All-Stars on your team to having three. He brought it to our attention as a staff. He was like, you need at least three NBA All-Stars, and not just one-offs, but perennial All-Stars, to go win a championship. And you look at the Sixers now, and they got as many All-Stars, or guys of that nature, as they had in Miami when LeBron was down there."
The Sixers have four multiple-time All-Stars in their starting lineup: LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid. Brown stated, "They’re definitely going to be one of the teams that are contending in the East, and in my opinion, it just got harder for everybody with the team that they assembled here."
However, the debut of the new Sixers lineup was delayed, as coach Nick Nurse rested most of his starters, including James and Embiid, for the preseason opener. The Knicks planned to play all their players except backup point guard Jose Alvarado, who is dealing with a knee contusion.
Brown praised Towns for his engagement and fitness level amid ongoing contract extension negotiations. "He was in great shape coming to camp. We have a conditioning test, and he passed it the first time. He looks good on the floor. I moved him around from the center spot to different spots on the floor, and he looks like he has a pretty good feel for it, and so I truly love the way that he’s been practicing and how in tune and how in shape he is."
Earlier on Monday, Towns stated that he does not expect an extension agreement before the season begins. The Knicks have reportedly offered him a four-year deal worth approximately $200 million, which is $77 million less than his maximum potential contract. "Simply put, I want to do something to keep the team together and can work with the Knicks and also values me," Towns said. "And none of those things are close to happening."