His tape is full of back to basket scoring, with a little jump hook and even some softer touch around the rim. I don't think I've ever seen Mitch or Jericho attempt this kind of offense.

He also seems like he can do some rim protection and defense. Probably a good project at the last pick - and he can probably stick out another year in Australia.

VDesai wrote:Somehow we ended up with the last pick and this guy, who I believe I can safely say was not mentioned by a single person. However he looks like a legit 7 feet 240

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts6xtsOawNo

His tape is full of back to basket scoring, with a little jump hook and even some softer touch around the rim. I don't think I've ever seen Mitch or Jericho attempt this kind of offense.

He also seems like he can do some rim protection and defense. Probably a good project at the last pick - and he can probably stick out another year in Australia.

also saw some snippets that he hustles. best way to win minutes.

LivingLegend wrote:So why did Knicks drop down and make the trade to add Petteri Koponen?

If we make a trade can he be included to make #s work and if yes at what $ amount and is he classified as a minimum?

This was the trade. We got some cash as well. Don't think anyone has a full explanation, but there's gotta be some dollar cost savings to be had here.

"New York acquired the draft rights to Ariel Hukporti, the 58th overall pick, the draft rights to Petteri Koponen and cash considerations from Dallas in exchange for the draft rights to Melvin Ajinca, the 51st overall pick."

franco12 wrote:If he can make it to the roster, he could be a replacement for Prescious.

I wouldn’t go that far. One highlight video and scouting report with Ariel vs half a season with Precious. Precious did a hell of a job and not just in the regular season and he still has a high ceiling at 23.

Ariel is more likely a Sims replacement after this season

EwingsGlass wrote:

VDesai wrote:I think unlikely Hukporti plays in the US next year, but its a worthy slot to grab a guy with size and some talent. I'm actually surprised his vid above shows as much offense as it does. He plays with his back to the basket a lot - which Sims or Mitch never does.

At 22, I think he either comes soon or he doesn’t. I think big guys need time with NBA coaches to learn how to get to their spots against NBA level competition. He looks interesting. Sounds like he fell off the radar with a 2022 Achilles injury. Probably the perfect kind of candidate for a two way contract. That keeps him off the salary cap but gets him playing time in Westchester and time with the big league coaches.

Westchester roster should have

Kolek
McCullars
Toppin
Diadet
Hukporti

I mean, that’s a solid plan to develop the next group, no?

Yeah he would be a 2 - way, but is there savings to deferring him a year vs. handing him a 2 way? I think Kolek/McCuller will be on the regular roster when all is said and done

VDesai wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

VDesai wrote:I think unlikely Hukporti plays in the US next year, but its a worthy slot to grab a guy with size and some talent. I'm actually surprised his vid above shows as much offense as it does. He plays with his back to the basket a lot - which Sims or Mitch never does.

At 22, I think he either comes soon or he doesn’t. I think big guys need time with NBA coaches to learn how to get to their spots against NBA level competition. He looks interesting. Sounds like he fell off the radar with a 2022 Achilles injury. Probably the perfect kind of candidate for a two way contract. That keeps him off the salary cap but gets him playing time in Westchester and time with the big league coaches.

Westchester roster should have

Kolek
McCullars
Toppin
Diadet
Hukporti

I mean, that’s a solid plan to develop the next group, no?

Yeah he would be a 2 - way, but is there savings to deferring him a year vs. handing him a 2 way? I think Kolek/McCuller will be on the regular roster when all is said and done

I agree on the Kolek/McCuller assessment. But I think they will start the season in Westchester to get playing time.

BigDaddyG wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

VDesai wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

VDesai wrote:I think unlikely Hukporti plays in the US next year, but its a worthy slot to grab a guy with size and some talent. I'm actually surprised his vid above shows as much offense as it does. He plays with his back to the basket a lot - which Sims or Mitch never does.

At 22, I think he either comes soon or he doesn’t. I think big guys need time with NBA coaches to learn how to get to their spots against NBA level competition. He looks interesting. Sounds like he fell off the radar with a 2022 Achilles injury. Probably the perfect kind of candidate for a two way contract. That keeps him off the salary cap but gets him playing time in Westchester and time with the big league coaches.

Westchester roster should have

Kolek
McCullars
Toppin
Diadet
Hukporti

I mean, that’s a solid plan to develop the next group, no?

Yeah he would be a 2 - way, but is there savings to deferring him a year vs. handing him a 2 way? I think Kolek/McCuller will be on the regular roster when all is said and done

I agree on the Kolek/McCuller assessment. But I think they will start the season in Westchester to get playing time.

Two-way wouldn't count against the cap. That said, someone needs to fill those roster spots.

it's the roster spots that have to be filled. Call me crazy - but if we are going to lose Hartenstein & Prescious, I might prefer this kid over Sims - I mean, we kinda know what Sims is or isn't. Take a flyer on these young men, especially if they show something during summer league, and see what they can do in garbage time (hopefully lots of that on our way to 60+ wins!) and in Westchester.

SergioNYK wrote:

Seems like a nice kid.

He looks older than 22. Like 42.

SergioNYK wrote:Maybe he's our Brock Purdy.

Think we traded Rolas and Wroten for him!?

HofstraBBall wrote:Fans have short memories. Sims has exceeded expectations from where he was drafted. Played well before IHart got here. Problem is that if you are chasing a chip, overachieving late draft pick will not cut it as the backup. But feel that is what Precious is as well.

However, I am predicting we will be talking about how well Sims is playing after 20 games.
Kid has crazy athleticism and huge wingspan. Would wait before throwing him off the team.
Unless there is an upgrade trade he can be a part of.

I suspected a regression of sorts after the shoulder surgery.

I also suspected the shoulder got messed up because of the dunk contest.

Just hunches.

I hope he surprises this year.