The 2021 NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 29th in Brooklyn. As that date continues to draw closer, the hype surrounding the incoming rookie class will only intensify. Draft night always marks an evening of newfound hope for the future. Franchise goals can range from rounding out a contending roster to drafting a cornerstone player for the future. Among the many intriguing prospects in this year’s NBA Draft is German center Ariel Hukporti out of Nevezis Kedainiai in the Lithuanian Basketball League.
The following is a complete Ariel Hukporti NBA Draft profile, including stats, highlights and a mock projection.
Ariel Hukporti NBA Draft Profile, Stats, Highlights and Projection
Ariel Hukporti
Position: Center
Height: 7’0”
Weight: 251 lbs.
Age: 19
Team: Nevezis Kedainiai
Ariel Hukporti 2020-21 Stats
- Games Played: 21
- Points: 10.4
- Rebounds: 7.4
- Assists: 1.4
- Field Goal Percentage: 41.7%
- 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: 27.7%
- Free Throw Percentage: 53.6%
- Steals: 0.9
- Blocks: 1.2
- Turnovers: 3.0
Ariel Hukporti Highlights
Ariel Hukporti NBA Draft Profile
Strengths
There is certainly a level of speculation for any team that decides to take Ariel Hukporti in the 2021 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old center from Germany is still very much learning and refining his game. What we do know is that he is mobile, quick and athletic. It’s his play at the defensive end that has many scouts particularly intrigued. Some believe he could be an NBA big man with the ability to step out and guard smaller, quicker guards. While rebounding, defense and hustle will be the things to earn him his NBA keep initially, Hukporti has shown flashes of offensive ability. He is a project but could be a worthwhile one.
Weaknesses
For now, Hukporti’s offensive arsenal is very limited. Nearly all of his scoring comes right at the rim or in close to the basket. However, he has shown signs of progress when it comes to expanding his range. Hukporti is still a work in progress and will need to improve his basketball IQ. Work ethic will be a key personality trait for scouts to assess.
Pro Comparison
Thomas Bryant
Ariel Hukporti Draft Projection
All 2021 NBA Draft projections are taken from the latest Bleacher Report mock draft by Jonathan Wasserman.
Ariel Hukporti is currently projected to be drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 40 overall.
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