Ariel Hukporti Sustains Torn Achilles in 76ers Preseason Opener

Backup center Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn right Achilles during Philadelphia's preseason opener on Monday and is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday.

An MRI confirmed Tuesday that Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the team's preseason opener on Monday. The 24-year-old German big man, who joined Philadelphia in July on a one-year, $3.4 million contract, is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the franchise is eligible for a $1.7 million disabled player exception, though the team remains only $1.8 million below the first apron.

The injury further depletes a frontcourt already missing several players. Center Adem Bona has not yet participated in training camp due to a left foot sprain, while 7-foot-5 big man Tacko Fall is sidelined for approximately 7-10 days with a left hip strain. Fall had joined the roster on an Exhibit 10 deal to compete for the team's open two-way roster spot.

Outside of starter Joel Embiid, the 76ers' remaining frontcourt options include Dean Wade, Dominick Barlow, and Jabari Walker. Philadelphia is scheduled to begin the regular season on Oct. 20 against the New York Knicks. To fill Hukporti's open roster spot with a new signing, the team would need to waive a player or execute a trade to create necessary cap space.