The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a tough spot following the unfortunate news of Ariel Hukporti's season-ending Achilles injury.

Hukporti tore his Achilles in the 76ers' preseason opener against the New York Knicks. He was due to have a crucial role as a backup behind Joel Embiid after leaving New York this summer, leaving a significant hole in Philadelphia's frontcourt.

NBA insider Brett Siegel discussed the team's situation on a new episode of Clutch Scoops with Tomer Azarly. He mentioned the financial issues the team has, especially when their restrictions only allow them to go no further than the first apron hard cap.

“The biggest issue is that [the Sixers] are $1.8 million from their first apron hard cap… Can they just add somebody else? They can’t… They can waive Jabari Walker… They could trade Hukporti’s contract to go after a guy like Mason Plumlee or Bismack Biyombo… But it seems like they’re gonna keep this roster as is heading into the season,” Siegel said.

ClutchPoints’ @BrettSiegelNBA on the Sixers’ big man problem:

“The biggest issue is that [the Sixers] are $1.8 million from their first apron hard cap… Can they just add somebody else? They can’t… They can waive Jabari Walker… They could trade Hukporti’s contract to go after… pic.twitter.com/4b54iMtpEf

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 8, 2026

What lies ahead for 76ers this season

The 76ers will consider their options in the frontcourt, having players like Tacko Fall and Adem Bona in the picture. However, they will miss Ariel Hukporti's presence inside the paint as a key backup.

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Philadelphia is eligible to apply for and potentially get a $1.7 million disabled player exception (half of Hukporti's 2026-27 salary), according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

However, with Philadelphia only $1.8 million below the first apron, they cannot sign a player to replace Hukporti to their open roster spot without either waiving a player or making a small trade to free up more cap space.

The 76ers have three more preseason contests to deal with, facing the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics twice before starting the regular season. Their campaign officially gets underway on the road against the New York Knicks on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. ET.