The Knicks' late second-round pick lands on a roster spot before the regular season

The New York Knicks finalized their active roster on Sunday before the start of the regular season. One of the more interesting names to land a spot on the roster was 2024 second-round draft pick Ariel Hukporti.

Ariel Hukporti has secured a spot on the Knicks roster

Hukporti, the 58th overall pick in this year's draft, had a very impressive preseason for the Knicks. In four preseason games, the six-foot center averaged 4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in about 12 minutes per game.

He previously played two seasons overseas in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL). During those two seasons, he averaged 7.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in approximately 16 minutes per game.

Following Precious Achiuwa's injury, which will keep him off the field for at least the next two to four weeks, Hukporti could serve as the Knicks' second-unit defensive center. Achiuwa was the likely front-runner to serve as the backup center early in the season before his injury.

Hukporti provides much-needed center depth for the Knicks

Since Isaiah Hartenstein left free agency in the summer, the Knicks have been lacking center depth. Mitchell Robinson is also still out while he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, so Hukporti could play a big role right away in New York.

The big man from Germany has shown he has strong power under the rim on both ends of the floor, which could help bring stability up front to the second unit. The Knicks need the size and athleticism off the bench that Hukporti can provide.

The Knicks open their season on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, where Hukporti could potentially see some action as he begins his NBA career.