Hukporti talks similarities between United and Knicks

As he prepares for his second NBA season, former Melbourne United Next Star, Ariel Hukporti, touched on the similarities between his NBL club and the New York Knicks.

The Togolese-German big man hit the court in 25 games for New York in his rookie season, ultimately reaching the Eastern Conference Finals under Head Coach Tom Thibodeau.

Looking at the links between United and the Knicks, Hukporti touched on the defensive standards that are expected to be upheld when on the court.

“Both organisations are really big on defence,” he said. 

“It’s quite similar to Dean Vickerman, he expects you to have a lot of effort every single game, every single minute, every second, and I feel like Thibs (Tom Thibodeau) did the same thing for me.

“I’m glad I was with Thibs, he gave me a great structure to be a pro, but I’ve been talking to (new Knicks Head Coach) Mike Brown, he’s a great guy, a great coach, and I’m just excited to just learn more and get better.”

Hukporti has impressed across his first two games of NBA Summer League, averaging 7.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.

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