Former Next Star, NBA champion finds new home

Former Melbourne United Next Star Ariel Hukporti, has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team has announced.

The NBA Championship winner with the Knicks was widely tipped to return to New York in free-agency, before the 76ers swooped on the rising star.

The seven-foot center played a key support role down low for the Knicks throughout their winning season and became a fan favourite.

Hukporti was originally selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.