The Philadelphia 76ers have received a significant injury blow after Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn Achilles during Monday’s preseason matchup against the New York Knicks.
Hukporti sustained the injury during the game, with further testing needed to determine the extent of the damage.
An MRI performed Tuesday confirmed the Achilles tear, and the center is set to undergo surgery immediately.
The 76ers added Hukporti during the offseason on a one-year contract worth $3.4 million.
His injury creates another problem for Philadelphia’s frontcourt, which is already dealing with the absences of Adem Bona and Tacko Fall.
Philadelphia could seek some financial flexibility by applying for a Disabled Player Exception worth approximately $1.7 million.
However, receiving the exception would not immediately allow the Sixers to add another player.
Philadelphia currently sits only around $1.8 million below the first apron, limiting the team’s ability to make a signing under its present financial situation.
