Haliey Welch and Ariel Hukporti (Photos via Getty Images)
An NBA center has gone viral after inking a new deal due to a nickname he’s been given that should make Haliey Welch proud. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, rookie Ariel Hukporti has agreed to a standard two-year contract with the Knicks, which includes a team option.
The Knicks acquired Hukporti, who hails from Germany, from the Dallas Mavericks after they selected him as the No. 58 overall pick this year, signing him to a two-way contract. But it appears he’s shown them enough to earn himself a regular contract.
“The New York Knicks and two-way center Ariel Hukporti have agreed on a standard two-year NBA contract, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported on Monday. “The new deal for Hukporti includes a team option in 2025-26 season. The 7-footer out of Germany has served as a viable big man in Knicks frontcourt.”
The news has prompted plenty of jokes, with fans already giving the German a nickname: “Huk Tuah.”
“HUK TO A 2 YEAR DEAL🔥,” a fan wrote in the comments.
“HUK TUAH ON THAT CONTRACT,” another added.
Ariel Hukporti Already A Fan Favorite
Ariel Hukporti has played just 29 minutes this season, appearing in four games for the Knicks. He’s registered seven rebounds and four blocks so far.
Judging from the comments, the foreign center is already a fan favorite in NY, with many Knicks supporters celebrating the deal.
Hukporti was one of the players who impressed in preseason, averaging 4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 12.3 minutes on 63.6 percent shooting from the field.
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