The Philadelphia 76ers have been dealt a major blow in their first preseason game. Offseason addition Ariel Hukporti left the court after just five minutes.
Hukporti signed a one-year, $3.4 million deal with the 76ers this summer after leaving the New York Knicks in free agency. He was expected to serve as the backup center behind Joel Embiid.
Advertisement
Unfortunately, after starting the 76ers’ preseason opener against the Knicks, which they won 120-97, Hukporti suffered a serious injury. He ruptured his right Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery.
The Sixers do not have the cap space to sign a replacement, so they must rely on their existing players. However, 76ers fans already have a popular option in mind to replace Hukporti in the lineup.
76ers fans name Tacko Fall as Ariel Hukporti replacement
Firstly, Ariel Hukporti was only expected to serve as the Philadelphia 76ers’ backup center behind Joel Embiid. However, we all know about Embiid’s injury history and the fact that he is likely to be rested for several games even when he is available.
Advertisement
That places even greater importance on the backup center role, which could now be filled by Adem Bona. The 23-year-old averaged five points and four rebounds last season but is currently sidelined with a foot injury.
The Sixers could also turn to Jabari Walker or Dominick Barlow, but fans are desperate for one particular player to replace Hukporti. Many have already called for Tacko Fall to earn a roster spot.
“My glorious king is here to save us,” one fan wrote alongside a picture of Fall. “Tacko Fall hoops,” another fan wrote, clearly excited by the possibility of seeing him get some minutes. Two others added: “Let me introduce you to Tacko Fall,” and “Tacko Fall, it is your time.”
Advertisement
One fan even creatively posted “Tacko Tuesday,” a play on LeBron James’ social media posts about eating tacos on Tuesdays.
Fall is currently sidelined with a left hip strain but could return later this month. He has averaged just two points and two rebounds during his NBA career, but many fans believe he still has more to offer.
Read more:
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
