NBA

Ariel Hukporti to miss 2026-27 with torn Achilles

October 6, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti will miss the entire 2026-27 NBA season after tearing his Achilles during the team’s preseason opener against the New York Knicks. The injury occurred in the first quarter of the game, with Hukporti collapsing to the floor without contact while guarding former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Sixers this offseason as a free agent, was set to compete for the backup center role behind Adem Bona, who is currently sidelined with a foot sprain. Hukporti’s absence leaves the Sixers with limited depth at the five, as only Bona and small-ball options like Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow remain available, while Tacko Fall’s return from a hip strain is also uncertain.

The team faces roster constraints due to salary-cap restrictions, complicating efforts to address the loss before December. Hukporti, a second-round NBA draft pick by the Knicks in 2024, previously ruptured his other Achilles in 2022 while playing overseas in Australia, adding to the severity of this setback.