Ariel Hukporti is heading to Philadelphia, and Josh Hart already has a welcome gift in mind. A cheesesteak to the face, apparently.
The former Knicks center signed a one-year, $3.4 million deal with the 76ers after helping New York finally snap its 53-year championship drought. And Hart, never one to let a moment pass without some chaos, sent him off in style.
“I’ll slap you with a cheesesteak,” Hart said, according to SNY. The video quickly made the rounds, and fans ate it up.
Hukporti was a 58th overall pick in 2024 and barely saw the floor as a rookie — 25 games, mostly garbage time. But under coach Mike Brown last season, his role grew. He played 54 games, averaged around nine minutes a night, and gave the Knicks an extra body in the frontcourt when Karl-Anthony Towns or Mitchell Robinson needed a breather.
Now he’s off to a new situation. In Philly, he’ll back up Joel Embiid, assuming the Sixers don’t bring back Andre Drummond. That could mean real minutes for a guy who’s still only 24.
What the move means for both teams
The Knicks are suddenly thin at center. Mitchell Robinson is gone too, signing with Boston. Right now New York’s big man rotation is Towns, Mohamed Diawara, and Trey Jemison III. That’s not a lot of depth for a team trying to defend a title.
Philly, on the other hand, just added a cheap, energetic big who doesn’t need the ball and won’t complain about his role. Fans online liked the move.
“Love this. Every contender needs players willing to do the dirty work, and Hukporti fits that role perfectly,” one user wrote.
Another added, “Breakout player soon. Dude’s a dog.”
Some Knicks fans were bittersweet. “Thank you for your services, Huk. Once a Knick, always a Knick.”
Hart and Hukporti built a real friendship over two seasons in New York. The 31-year-old Hart probably hates losing a locker room guy, but he’s also clearly happy for the kid getting paid and getting a fresh start.
The cheesesteak threat? That’s just Hart being Hart. And honestly, if you’re moving to Philly, getting slapped with a cheesesteak might be the most authentic welcome possible.
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