Sports · Basketball · 1 hr ago
Sixers face center shortage as NBA extension talks develop
Philadelphia center Ariel Hukporti tore his Achilles shortly into the team’s preseason game against the Knicks, ending his season.
The Sixers already had limited depth behind Joel Embiid, and now Adem Bona, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker are their only listed backup options.
Philadelphia is unlikely to add a player on a standard NBA contract before prorated minimum-salary options become available in early December; before then, a trade would need to reduce the team’s salary by about $600,000.
Orlando and guard Anthony Black have not held meaningful talks on an extension, as the team is concerned about the cost of its core players.
League personnel still expect Charlotte to offer Brandon Miller an extension, which some believe could exceed Amen Thompson’s five-year, $208 million deal.
Oklahoma City has begun extension discussions with Cason Wallace at around $25 million per year, though he may seek a larger deal.
Dallas forward Dwight Powell has waived his right to block a trade if he makes the regular-season roster, which could let the team trade him after December 25.
Philadelphia’s center depth has been reduced after backup Ariel Hukporti suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in the Sixers’ preseason debut against the Knicks.
Adem Bona, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker are the only players listed as depth behind often-injured Joel Embiid.
The Sixers are unlikely to add a player on a standard NBA deal before prorated minimum-salary options open in early December, Marc Stein reports.
Philadelphia would need to reduce its salary by around $600,000 in a trade to add a player before then.
Stein also reports on extension developments involving Anthony Black, Brandon Miller and Cason Wallace.
- Who
- The Philadelphia 76ers and backup center Ariel Hukporti are central to the story.
- What
- Hukporti suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, leaving the Sixers short on center depth.
- When
- During Philadelphia’s preseason debut; the date of the game is not stated.
- Where
- Against the New York Knicks; the game’s location is not stated.
- Why
- Hukporti’s injury reduced the depth behind Joel Embiid, who is described as often injured.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Ariel Hukporti suffered a season-ending Achilles tear moments into Philadelphia’s game against the Knicks.
Prorated minimum-salary options are expected to open, when the Sixers may be more able to add a player on a standard NBA deal.
- Hukporti injury
- Season-ending Achilles tear
- Remaining center depth
- Adem Bona, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker
- Potential trade requirement
- Reduce team salary by around $600,000
- Minimum-salary options
- Expected to open in early December
Sources
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