The New York Knicks have called up their impactful rookie center Ariel Hukporti from the G League ahead of their Monday night matchup against the Orlando Magic.
Knicks bring up Ariel Hukporti from Westchester Knicks
The RotoWire Staff (via CBS Sports) reported the news on Monday evening. The Knicks have a long list of players on their injury report. Regarding their frontcourt, New York’s All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable for the Orlando contest with right knee soreness, per Ben Stinar of Fastbreak on SI. Mitchell Robinson is still listed as out as he works his way back from ankle surgery that has prevented him from making his debut this season.
Hukporti can give Knicks energy & sound reads on offense
Hukporti is a solid young rookie who brings many things to the basketball floor for Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. He is nimble and plays with a high motor. Hukporti energetically sets screens and can score in close off of his hook shots and floater. The 22-year-old talent also has a natural feel as well as solid footwork in the midrange and makes the right reads on offense.
Should Towns have to miss time beginning tonight, Hukporti will be a serviceable option for New York to deploy behind likely fill-in starter Precious Achiuwa. When he’s seen 15 or more minutes a night, the No. 58 overall pick from 2024 has scored seven and nine points on two separate occasions.
Towns’ status will likely be revealed closer to tip-off. The Knicks will take the Madison Square Garden floor to kick off their five-game home stand against the Magic at 7:30 PM ET.