Hukporti was selected with the No. 58 overall pick by the Knicks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
New York received that pick after trading the No. 51 selection, which they got from the Washington Wizards in a trade in the first round, to the Dallas Mavericks.
ARIEL HUKPORTI SPOKE IT TO EXISTENCE‼️🇹🇬
— AfroBallers (@afroballers) June 27, 2024
FIRST TOGOLESE DESCENT TO BE DRAFTED INTO THE NBA 🙌🏾@arielhukporti 🇹🇬🇩🇪 #AfroBallers pic.twitter.com/iB6pNv25wG
Born in Stralsund, Germany, Hukporti is a promising young center of German-Togolese descent. The 22-year-old stands 7 feet tall, weighs 245 lbs, and is a formidable physical presence on the court.
Hukporti began his professional basketball career in Germany with Riesen Ludwigsburg in 2018, before moving to Lithuania to play for Nevezis Kėdainiai. Most recently he took his talents to Australia’s NBL with Melbourne United.
During the 2023-24 NBL season, he averaged 8.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game and was considered a key contributor.
What stands out are his skills in rebounding, shot-blocking, and potential as a rim protector. Hukporti’s strong frame and effective screen-setting are also impressive. Draft scouts praised his defensive versatility.
Although his offensive game is still developing, he shows promise as a finisher in pick-and-roll situations and contributes valuable hustle points.
The Togolese/German star will join players such as Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges on the Knicks, who are coming off a 50-win season.
