76ers have officially taken the first step to solve a growing roster issue

The Philadelphia 76ers have officially applied for a disabled player exception following a season-ending injury to center Ariel Hukporti. Hukporti suffered a non-contact Achilles injury five minutes into his preseason debut after signing a one-year contract. The application marks the franchise's opening move to address depth concerns in their frontcourt behind starting center Joel Embiid.

The requested exception is valued at approximately $1.7 million, though the front office must still waive or trade an existing player to open a roster spot. Writer Nicolas Kyle Pring notes that the team faces an urgent need to reinforce the position, suggesting the 76ers may target younger free agents given the lack of experienced options.