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Ariel Hukporti is the fourth Next Star selected at the 2024 NBA Draft.

27 Jun
NBL.com.au

Melbourne United Next Star Ariel Hukporti has been selected with pick 58 at the 2024 NBA Draft.

Hukporti was drafted to the Dallas Mavericks, after an impressive NBL24 campaign, with his rights reportedly on-traded to the New York Knicks.

The 22-year-old averaged 8.4 points, 1.5 blocks and seven rebounds a game in his most recent season at United, excelling alongside fellow big Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. 

He spent three seasons in Melbourne part of the NBL's Next Stars program.

Draft Profile Ariel Hukporti 16x9

Name: Ariel Hukporti
Position: C
Height: 7'0
Weight: 113 kg
Age: 22
Born: Germany

Draft Profile Headers (1)

A mobile center who runs the floor, blocks shots and finishes above the rim.

Getty Images 2080905244

Draft Profile Headers in Action

The athletic Hukporti has drawn comparisons to Miami's Thomas Bryant. Each are known for their interior presence around the basket at both ends of the court. 

Getty Images 2095382177Thomas Bryant.

Draft Profile Headers Season Insight

Averages: 7.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Season highlight: Round 4 vs Illawarra - 21 PTS (6-7 FG), 10 REB, 1 BLK, 1 STL

Draft Profile Headers Draft Projection

Hukporti is a defensive athletic big who feeds off offensive rebounds, alley-oops and pick and roll play. Defensively he blocks shots and protects the rim at a high quality level.

Hukporti already has a number of years of experience as a pro which would fill any team with more confidence about his ability to adapt to new situations and find his role.

Getty Images 1749491929

Draft Profile Headers Compared To

“He showed that he can be an elite player at the defensive end of the floor." - Dean Vickerman (Melbourne United Head Coach)

“His ability to catch the ball, finish above the rim, his shot-blocking ability, his robust athleticism, and he’s starting to develop.” - Andrew Gaze (NBL Legend)

Draft Profile Headers in Action

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