Ariel Hukporti accounted for nine points (2-of-4 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), 13 rebounds, one assist, two steals and three blocks in Sunday’s loss to the Celtics.
Among the returnees in the Knicks’ summer lineup, Hukporti received the most playing time during the 2024-25 season. While the scoring output was limited, the second-year center was excellent as a rebounder and defender. Those are the areas where Hukporti will need to make an impact if he’s to crack the back end of the rotation next season. He’s worth watching this summer, especially if new Knicks head coach Mike Brown decides to start Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson together.