76ers’ Nick Nurse makes major LeBron James announcement in light of center season ending injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia 76ers are now in a pretty tough position, to say the least, after something happened in their first game of the preseason. Their center depth took another hit as big man Ariel Hukporti went down with an injury.
The seven-footer had to be helped off the court after suffering a non-contact injury. An MRI revealed that he tore his Achilles.
“An MRI confirmed Tuesday that Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn right Achilles tendon Monday in the preseason opener, according to the Sixers. Hukporti will undergo surgery later today. Further updates will be provided as appropriate, the team says,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin posted.
Hukporti was going to be relied on in the center room for the 76ers, as that was the one spot that lacked depth. The center underwent surgery on his Achilles on Tuesday, right after sustaining the injury.
“Ariel Hukporti underwent successful surgery to repair his ruptured right Achilles tendon and will miss the 2026-27 season. The 76ers will provide further updates on his status throughout his recovery process,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote.
With Philadelphia lacking size and being somewhat unable to make any moves, they are in a pickle. Head coach Nick Nurse spoke with the media on Wednesday. This is where he revealed that LeBron James may play some at the center position if it comes to that point after Hukporti’s injury.
“In light of the Ariel Hukporti season-ending Achilles injury, Nick Nurse lists Dean Wade and LeBron James as other options at the 5 – beyond Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, Jabari Walker and Dom Barlow,” McMenamin wrote.
It is well known that James will do whatever it takes to win and has played every position in his career. However, playing the center position at 41 years of age is going to be a very interesting one.
James came to Philadelphia to be able to enjoy his last couple of years playing, but now he might be going against centers on occasion. If the 76ers don’t find a way to get another big man, James may be in the post more than originally thought.