76ers’ First Headache: Possibly Lose Joel Embiid’s Backup For Season With Achilles Tear

The Philadelphia 76ers were entering the 2026-27 season with a rotation of three legitimate centers: Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, and Ariel Hukporti.

76ers’ First Headache: Possibly Lose Joel Embiid’s Backup For Season With Achilles Tear

Ariel Hukporti limping into the locker room (Image credits - Philadelphia Inquirer)

One of the major concerns for the Philadelphia 76ers heading into the new campaign is Joel Embiid‘s health. The big man has suffered setback after setback with his injuries.

The 76ers front office have done a good job in bolstering their roster significantly in the summer. After another second-round exit in the playoffs last season, it was clear that the 76ers needed to make some big changes to their squad.

In their first preseason game, Philly took on the New York Knicks. The 76ers did not play Embiid, LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey, but they did have Jaylen Brown leading the team on Monday night.

While they posted an impressive 120-97 win, they took a tough injury blow in the first quarter. Backup center Ariel Hukporti suffered a non-contact injury and needed help to get to the locker room.

The 76ers made several new additions to their roster this offseason. After the 2025-26 campaign came to an end, they made the trade for Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics and then made the biggest move in free agency by signing LeBron James.

While they have made a number of additions in Anfernee Simons, Caleb Love, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Dean Wade, the signing of Ariel Hukporti was overlooked. Hukporti joined Philly on a one-year, $3.4 million contract this summer.

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Nick Nurse on Ariel Hukporti’s injury

Ariel Hukporti signed for the 76ers after lifting a historic NBA championship with the Knicks last season. He played as the third-choice center for the Knicks behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. He made 54 regular-season appearances and 10 playoff appearances.

After the game, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse shared an update on Hukporti.

They’re gonna do the imaging tomorrow. Right Achilles they’re gonna look at.

Nick Nurse in his press conference

At first glance, many suspected the worst for the 24-year-old. Some outlets initially reported that Hukporti ruptured his Achilles, which would rule him out for the 2026-27 campaign. However, Nurse revealed that an MRI is set to take place tomorrow. 

It is a tough blow for the team as the 76ers were heading into the new season with three centers on their roster. With Joel Embiid’s health often a question mark, a season-ending injury to his backup center is a cause for concern for the franchise. 

Mike Brown sends his best wishes to Ariel Hukport

With Joel Embiid and Adem Bona not featuring on Monday night, Ariel Hukporti was named as a starter against his former team. Five minutes into the game, he was guarding Karl-Anthony Towns at the perimeter. He was going to close out on the Knicks center, but he felt something on the back of his foot and sat down.

Mike Brown checking on Ariel Hukporti
Mike Brown checking on Ariel Hukporti (Image credits – Yahoo Sports)

As he held his calf, everyone feared the worst. Knicks head coach Mike Brown wished his former player a speedy recovery. 

First of all, it was great to see Ariel. Obviously, Ariel got hurt. We hope that Ariel, whatever is wrong with him, he has a speedy recovery and he gets back on the floor. You hate to see anybody go down with injury but especially somebody of a caliber person that Ariel is.

Mike Brown during his media scrum

Hukporti has been a player who has caught the eye of his teammates and earned the respect of everybody on the roster, and it was the same even during his time in New York. If there is a miracle and he is not dealing with a ruptured tendon, he could return sometime this season. However, it doesn’t look good, especially given how he fell and limped off.

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