In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Spotrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 14 under standard contracts and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2026-27 season.
The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.
Up next in this series is big man Ariel Hukporti who was brought in early in the free agency period. The 2-year man from Germany was the No. 58 pick of the 2024 draft and has career averages of 2.1 points and 2.7 rebounds along with 0.5 blocks per game with the New York Knicks.
For Hukporti, his three goals are as follows:
Bring rim protection
Hukporti didn't get much
playing time with the Knicks, but his per 36 numbers of 2.1 blocks for his career suggest that he can be a legitimate shot blocker. He has great timing, understands where to be on the floor, and does a great job of understanding his defensive assignments. While he showed flashes of that in New York, he must do more of it in Philadelphia in an effort to earn more playing time in coach Nick Nurse's rotation. He has the potential to be a serious defensive addition to this group.
Push Adem Bona
One has to believe that Bona has the inside track on winning the backup center spot behind Joel Embiid when considering what he was able to do in the 2025-26 season. That means Hukporti will have to push him a bit in order to earn more playing time. The training camp battles between the two of them plus battles in practices and such are sure to be spirited as Hukporti looks to establish himself in the league and earn real rotation minutes after his time in New York.
Help on the glass
Rebounding really is such an important factor for the Sixers. There were so many times throughout the 2025-26 season when the lack of rebounds cost them a couple of games. Hukporti averaged 2.9 rebounds, but that number shoots to 11.5 per 36 minutes. He is somebody who can be a serious rotation piece for the Sixers if he can bring the little things and the energy to the floor that Nurse and Co. really need. If Philadelphia can get this type of production out of Hukporti, then it changes things on the floor for the Sixers. It would allow Embiid to get some legitimate rest on the bench.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers 3 goals: Ariel Hukporti has to bring rim protection, energy
