Ariel Hukporti Out for Season After MRI Confirms Torn Right Achilles

The Philadelphia 76ers received the diagnosis they feared Tuesday: center Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn right Achilles tendon and will miss the 2026-27 season. The injury happened without contact during Monday night’s preseason opener against the New York Knicks, only minutes into Hukporti’s first game with Philadelphia. The Sixers said an MRI confirmed the tear and that the 24-year-old would undergo surgery.

Hukporti joined Philadelphia during the offseason on a one-year deal after spending his first two NBA seasons with New York. He was expected to provide frontcourt depth behind Joel Embiid and Adem Bona after appearing in 79 games for the Knicks. Instead, the Sixers now lose one of their primary depth options before the regular season even begins.

The bigger issue for Philadelphia is roster flexibility. Hukporti’s injury turns what looked like a developmental backup-center competition into an immediate depth problem, especially with the physical demands surrounding the position. The Sixers can explore replacement options, but their financial position limits how aggressively they can add salary. For Hukporti, the focus shifts entirely to surgery and rehabilitation after a devastating start to what was supposed to be a fresh opportunity in Philadelphia.