Can Ariel Hukporti keep on impressing for the Knicks?

The 58th pick out of this year’s draft has been playing well. Will it continue?

In the Knicks’ 121-115 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, rookie Ariel Hukporti took over the backup five role, joining a rotation he had largely been left out of the majority of this season.

Hukporti played 19 minutes, the second most of his young career, and posted six points, four rebounds, and two assists alongside a +8.

His box score performance was good, but it was his defense that impressed fans the most. His rim protection was solid. His rebounding was strong. And multiple times, Hukporti was able to switch onto the perimeter and stay in front of quicker, shiftier players.

It was the second straight game Hukporti received first half minutes, something that had only happened three times prior the entire season.

The night before, when the Knicks played host to the Houston Rockets, Huk played six first half minutes, providing a quick energy boost and adding a highlight sequence in the process.

His effort and performance caught the attention of owner James Dolan, who made a rare locker room appearance, according to the New York Daily News. Dolan approached Hukporti and had a brief conversation with him, something that never happens in the world of Dolan.

“[Dolan] said, ‘Oh yeah, you got playing time today. You did a great job,’” Hukporti continued. “He just told me to keep working and keep trusting. I’m glad that he gave me an opportunity to play for the Knicks.”

It may not be a coincidence that Hukporti had as large of a role as he did the following night against Toronto. And it seems like even less of a coincidence that Jericho Sims, who had recently been cast out of the New York rotation, was shipped out to Milwaukee last night.

This flurry of moves makes it seem even more evident that the Knicks’ organization trusts Hukporti. After being scooped up with the 58th pick of this year’s NBA draft, Hukporti had split time between the Westchester Knicks and the big league club. His consistent play and effort meant that it was only a matter of time before the Knicks gave him a real shot at joining the rotation.

That time may be here.

Mitchell Robinson was just cleared for full contact and practice after months of being sidelined, but he still may be a couple weeks away before returning to the floor for New York. And OG Anunoby is currently considered day-to-day with a foot sprain, meaning that Precious Achiuwa should see spot starts in the meantime.

After four years, the Knicks’ front office has moved on from Jericho Sims. That means that Hukporti’s chance is finally here.

With the Knicks seemingly content staying put until the 3:00 PM trade deadline this afternoon, New York seems happy with the current roster makeup. They believe in their players. And it makes sense – they should.

Now that Sims is out of town, the backup center role belongs to Hukporti for now. It’s well deserved. And if the German continues to impress, we’ll see a lot more of him in the coming weeks.

The Knicks play thrice more before the all star break – vs. Boston on Saturday, at Indiana on Tuesday, and vs. Atlanta on Wednesday.

It feels likely that Hukporti will continue to assume the backup center role until All-Star weekend. That’s three chances to shine and continue forming a positive impression for a top-three seed in the East.

Don’t be surprised if he does.

(PS – Feels like Ariel Hukporti should have an awesome nickname. It’s too good of a name not to. Don’t be shy to share ideas in the comments.)