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Matthew Dellavedova believes the extra floor-spacing in the NBA could see Ariel Hukporti thrive at the next level.

7 Mar
NBL.com.au

Ariel Hukporti has starred in his third season for Melbourne United, but current teammate and former NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova believes the German Next star could be even more suited to the NBA than the NBL.

Hukporti has established himself as a key piece in one of the strongest center duos in recent memory alongside Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, and Dellavedova says his young teammate has been “asking good questions” about what it will take for him to make the NBA jump.

“He’s been unbelievable with his defensive communication, defending the pick and roll and his screening and rolling [to the basket] have been amazing - those are skills that are going to help him in the NBA,” Dellavedova told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“He’s been asking good questions about what it will take for him to be successful at the NBA level.

“It’s almost going to be easier for him as there will be more space on the floor and what teams will ask of him are his strongest skills.”

Read the full story here >> Next stop NBA: Why Melbourne dunking machine is being scouted to stop Wembanyama.

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