After getting the first start of his career on Wednesday night, New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti will be out 4-to-6 weeks with a torn left meniscus, per ESPN senior insider Shams Charania. The big man sustained the injury during the third quarter of Wednesday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Selected 58th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Hukporti has averaged 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.o block per game since the All-Star Break.
Knicks’ Ariel Hukporti Out At Least A Month With Meniscus Tear
Hukporti’s injury a blow to the Knicks’ center depth, at least in the short-term, as Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns are banged up. As a reminder, New York sent backup big man Jericho Sims to the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the trade deadline.
New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti has suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks, sources tell ESPN. Hukporti sustained the injury in his first start Wednesday night, posting 8 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block. pic.twitter.com/LqHuxvjx4L
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 27, 2025
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However, both Robinson (ankle) and Towns (knee) are listed as day-to-day with their respective injuries. Furthermore, when asked to step in for Hukporti after his injury, Precious Achiuwa played well in his minutes.
Ariel Hukporti hurt, leaves game pic.twitter.com/mlGXwCeDwu
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 27, 2025
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In fact, Achiuwa tallied a season-high four blocks against the Philadelphia 76ers.
A Promising Center
Hukporti is a player that the Knicks are fond of.
For evidence of that, look no further than the fact that he had his two-way contract converted to a standard two-year deal in November. As a former second-round pick who didn’t attend an American college, he’s flown under the radar of the average fan. Still, those who have gotten a chance to watch him have all come away with similar conclusions.
For starters, he possesses the ideal size for the position at 7-foot-0 and 246 pounds. He also understands the nuances of being a center. Whether it’s screening angels or sealing off an opponent to clear space for the drive, he makes his teammates jobs easier. With his length and athleticism, he’s certainly a lob threat. Yet, his scoring game isn’t limited to above-the-rim finishes.
What a beautiful move by Julius Randle — I mean Ariel Hukporti pic.twitter.com/1ty8xFnGru
— Point Four (@pointfour__) February 27, 2025
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At the other end, his awareness and technique help him be an impactful rim-protector. He’s even valued as a communicator, which is key for a defensive anchor.
His numbers aren’t eye-popping but it’s only a matter of time until he’s turning heads with his stat lines. Or so it seems.
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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