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League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: General

76ers face center depth issue after Hukporti's injury; LeBron considered

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 7:21 PM

Last updated Oct 8, 2026

76ers face center depth issue after Hukporti's injury; LeBron considered
Summary

The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a center depth problem following the injury of Ariel Hukporti, who tore his Achilles and will miss the entire 2026-27 season. The team is now considering LeBron James as a potential solution to support Joel Embiid in the center role. Head coach Nick Nurse mentioned that James could play some backup center, citing his versatility. James is set to make his preseason debut with the 76ers on Thursday night. Historically, James has played at the small-ball five position effectively, though it raises concerns about rebounding and defensive capabilities.

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CBS Sports
Key Details
  • •Ariel Hukporti injured his Achilles in preseason opener
  • •LeBron James may fill center role for 76ers
  • •Nick Nurse acknowledges James as backup center candidate
  • •James makes his 76ers preseason debut Thursday night
  • •76ers historically struggled with rebounding without Drummond
Latest Updates
  • 7:21 PMCBS Sports — Could LeBron James help solve the 76ers' depth problem at center? Here's what the numbers say
What they're saying
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LeBron at the 5? The 76ers might need to try it after their backup center was hurt in their preseason opener

Related Teams & Leagues
Philadelphia 76ersNBABasketball

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