The regular season has just started, but the Philadelphia 76ers already have a pretty apparent issue when it comes to their big man rotation. Joel Embiid has been healthy and available save for back-to-backs, but the team's depth at the center position is pretty flimsy. To that effect, the front office has now taken the first step to fixing that problem by applying for the disabled player exception in view of the unfortunate season-ending injury suffered by Ariel Hukporti in the preseason.
Hukporti, who just won a championship with the Knicks last season, was signed to a one-year deal as the 76ers sought to reinforce their center rotation. Unfortunately, five minutes into his preseason debut for Philly, he suffered a non-contact injury that ended up being his Achilles. Now, the team has to settle for a shallow pool of big men, the majority of whom are currently sidelined or hampered by injuries.
76ers get one step closer to fixing their big man conundrum off the bench
It is important to note that even if the 76ers are awarded with the exception, which amounts to $1.7 million, the front office will still need to make a move –– by trading away or waiving a player –– to be able to fill that opening.
Nevertheless, the front office now has crucial ammunition they can use to put a governor on their longstanding issue at center. The 76ers probably did not expect that problem to exist this season, given that they have numerous big men on the roster, but thanks to injuries and the relative inexperience of their centers, that issue persists to this day.
Unfortunately, there is no abundance of available experienced big men on the open market right now. Hence, the most realistic option for the 76ers brass is to take a flier on younger commodities and bank on their development in order to fix that problem.
Anyhow, Philly simply cannot turn a blind eye on this issue. Of all teams, the 76ers have the most urgent need to reinforce their center rotation, especially with an injury-prone star like Embiid hard-carrying the position right now.
Hopefully, the front office can make the most of the opening they are about to generate when the time is ripe for them to do so. The 76ers are mounting an ambitious but realistic bid for the championship this season, and it would be painful if their perennial issue at center derails their cause anew.
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