Despite constructing a star-studded lineup, there are still lingering concerns that the Philadelphia 76ers lack a capable replacement if Joel Embiid misses a significant portion of the season. Realistically, the Sixers will never find a like-for-like replacement for the 2023 MVP. However, in the team’s open scrimmage, Ariel Hukporti showed glimpses of the reliable option he could become, and with Adem Bona yet to return from injury, Philadelphia should have the depth they need.
Open scrimmage offered much-needed hope over center depth
It should be stated that an early-season scrimmage is certainly nothing to get excited about, especially when the team is the Philadelphia 76ers. Nevertheless, the high-intensity session offered plenty to be positive about for the upcoming season, but most notably, Ariel Hukporti’s cameo helped ease fears around Joel Embiid’s backup options.
Hukporti was somewhat of an unknown entity when signing for the Sixers in the offseason. For the New York Knicks, the 24-year-old was barely a rotational piece behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. During the regular season, he averaged 9.2 minutes in 54 appearances, recording just 2.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game.
The 76ers fanbase got to witness the fundamentals Hukporti will bring this season: Physicality, rebounding, and defensive presence. In minutes when Embiid is on the bench, this is exactly what Philadelphia requires. The fact that the former Knicks center drained a couple of exquisite floaters hopefully proves he can be utilized as more than just a band-aid.
76ers have other weapons at their disposal
If recent history has taught the 76ers anything, they are going to lose Embiid for extended periods of the season, and having Ariel Hukporti as his understudy won’t be enough to fill the gaping void the 2023 MVP leaves in his wake.
Fortunately, head coach Nick Nurse will be able to call upon the services of Adem Bona in the near future, with the hope that he has addressed his frustrating fouling issues over the summer. Outside of these problems, Bona has proven he can be an athletic, defensive weapon throughout his career. With a stronger set of players around him, the 23-year-old has the potential to hold the starting spot in Embiid’s absence — as long as it is not for more than a few games at a time.
Additionally, Philadelphia can experiment with small-ball lineups and tweak players’ natural positions. Dean Wade, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Dominick Barlow wield physical attributes and rebounding prowess to hold the fort for the team in small bursts. And LeBron James is no stranger to playing center if that is what the team requires, although that is not how Nick Nurse will want to utilize his newest superstar.
Philly’s fan base shouldn’t become overly enamored with a preseason scrimmage; however, there are already some extremely encouraging signs regarding the roster’s center depth. If the team can finally find a capable solution when Joel Embiid isn’t on the floor, they will be primed for a championship assault.
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