Jericho Sims and Ariel Hukporti could replace Achiuwa in the rotation

The most likely candidates to replace Achiuwa in the rotation are Jericho Sims and rookie center Ariel Hukporti. Both centers had solid preseason campaigns and could help fill the void that will be left by Achiuwa’s absence.

Hukporti is currently on a two-way deal, but he could get his contract converted to an NBA standard contract. His on-court performance had him in a good position to earn one, but the odds are more in his favor after Achiuwa’s injury.

Achiuwa signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Knicks in the offseason after spending last season with the Raptors and Knicks. He came to New York in the OG Anunoby trade and filled in well for injured stars last season. In 49 games with the Knicks last season, he averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.