Ariel Hukporti

Draft Notes

Hukporti is a physical specimen with NBA size and athletic ability. His movement skills are impressive for nearly 7-feet, 250lbs and he certainly passes the eyeball test. Has some growing up to do and will have to show that he can lock in and put in the work to be great.

He projects as a role player early in his career and will have to earn minutes with his rebounding, interior defense and running the floor but he’s got some offensive talent as well and should develop into more of a scoring threat some years down the line.

His ability to get off the ground at his size is impressive. He’s a shot blocking force who reacts well and has a quick first jump.

He scores most of his points right around the basket, either on dunks or short lefty hooks and layups but is becoming a more capable outside shooter, showing good mechanics.

Comparisons

• Thomas Bryant

Draft Projection

second round to undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft

2023 Center Rankings

1. Victor Wembanyama – 7-4 – France
2. Dereck Lively – 7-0 – Duke
3. James Nnaji – 6-10 – Barcelona (Nigeria)
4. Tristan Vukcevic – 6-10 – Serbia
5. Oscar Tshiebwe – 6-9 – Kentucky (Congo)
6. Jamarion Sharp – 7-5 – W. Kentucky
7. Charles Bediako – 6-11 – Alabama (Canada)