New York Knicks rookie named as ‘impact NBA player’ after latest performance, ‘very effective’

The Knicks were without star player Karl-Anthony Towns, whose rebounding was particularly missed.

A disappointing night for the home team at Madison Square Garden was not entirely without positives, with the performance of Ariel Hukporti praised.

Ariel Hukporti praised

Ariel Hukporti played 15 minutes from the bench and contributed 9-2-2, making a solid contribution during the contest.

It was the back-up center’s 11th ever NBA game, and the second-highest number of minutes he has played.

Speaking to the Knicks post-game coverage on MSG Network, former player Wally Szczerbiak picked Hukporti out for praise.

He commented: “When he plays, he stands out, nine points. He was very effective tonight. He was very effective. His energy is always there.

“I thought he did a great job of running that high pick-and-roll and rim running. That’s what he does.

“He soaks up how to be an NBA player and an impact NBA player. And you love his work ethic. I think the Knicks have found a guy late in the draft that has a chance to be very meaningful in a rotation.

“And that’s a really good thing, because we’ve questioned the bench a lot, where are the Knicks gonna get production off the bench.

“But this coaching staff always finds guys and makes them productive when they get minutes out there. I thought Hukporti is very effective out there.

“He was going up against some very mobile, athletic big men in the Detroit Pistons, what they have. So it was a really good matchup for him. So he’s just got to continue to learn, continue to watch film, continue to develop.”

Knicks final pick

Ariel Hukporti was the final player acquired in the 2024 NBA Draft, selected number 58 overall.

He came to the Knicks via a trade with the Dallas Mavericks for 51st pick Melvin Aljica, along with the bizarre rights to Finnish coach Petteri Koponen.

While the Koponen aspect of the deal has never made any sense, acquiring Hukporti could turn out to be inspired.

In just a handful of minutes early in his rookie NBA season, he is showing promise and scoring points, giving some promise for the future.

Amid criticism from Paul Pierce over a lack of depth, having some additional role players who can contribute from the bench is useful for New York.

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