Yang Hansen of the Portland Trail Blazers looks to make a pass against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
After just three NBA Summer League games, Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen is already making waves.
Across his three appearances, Yang has posted a well-rounded stat line with 35 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 6 blocks, showcasing his emerging skill set as a modern stretch big, capable of spacing the floor, defending the paint, and facilitating offense.
Despite physical measurements that may not immediately dazzle by NBA standards—standing 7-foot-1 (2.16-meter), with a 7-foot-3 wingspan (2.20-meter) and weighing in at 252 lbs (114.6 kg)—this 20-year-old phenom from China proves Portland's first-round gamble on him a smart bet by his talents on and off the court.
In Tuesday's match against the New Orleans Pelicans, Yang recorded his Summer League season-high 15 points as a starter, helping the Trail Blazers clinch a 93-87 victory.
After the game, he humbly credited his teammates: "We had great chemistry today. Everyone stayed united, and we fought hard to hold the lead down the stretch."
Besides his defensive power in the paint, he electrified the crowd early with a surprising three-pointer, which wasn't exactly part of the game plan: "I kind of went against Coach's play," he said postgame. "He told me to set the screen and roll to the basket, but I was gassed, so I just stopped and launched the three. Thought I'd give him a little surprise."
When asked about facing Pelicans' powerful center Derik Queen—his toughest matchup so far—Yang showed humility and respect: "He is a really solid player. Strong, physical, and an excellent rebounder. There's a lot I can learn from him."
Even Zion Williamson, the Pelicans' former No 1 pick, was impressed watching from the sidelines: "Man, I love his game," Zion told reporters.
Dubbed as "Chinese Jokic" by scouts and fans alike, Yang seems to embrace the playmaking responsibilities: "In the game, Coach had told me go to the high post and be a playmaking player today, be like a hub for everyone, so I just follow Coach's execution and do my job."
He reflected after his debut against Golden State Warriors, where the team claimed Saturday with a 73-106 victory.
Despite being a rookie, Yang already shows the poise of a seasoned floor general—organizing teammates, reading defenses, and initiating plays. His calm presence and tactical mind have earned him the nickname "Coach Yang" among fans and commentators.
On what he thought about leading the team in assists, he gave the credit to others: "My teammates are great shooters and slashers. I just try to get them involved and keep everyone engaged. We're enjoying the game together."
Yang Hansen of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots against Lawson Lovering of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
His personality is winning people over just as quickly as his skills. During Tuesday's game, after sinking an early three, he pointed to the bench in celebration — a planned joke with teammates Keeshawn Barthelemy and Andrew Carr.
"We joked that the bench would go wild if I did that move. Andrew bet me $100 I wouldn't. I did it. Told him he's buying dinner," Yang grinned. "He's having fun w(ith) it," the Trail Blazers posted on X, showing his instant fit with the team.
Adjusting to NBA life also means adapting off the court. Fortunately, Yang is finding support in the locker room. "Guys like Kevin Love and Big O are helping me a lot," he said. "They're teaching me English, and I teach them a few Chinese phrases—we're laughing and bonding. It's been really fun."
Head coach Chauncey Billups is equally enthusiastic: "He plays the game the right way. He's really a good teammate, playing for others to make other guys better. His competitive fire, he really competes out there. We love that about him. You can just tell that he's been taught the right way, so a lot of things ... that I have to teach with young guys, I don't have to teach this kid."
Still, Yang acknowledges that the road ahead is long. During a back-to-back game on Sunday, he candidly reflected on the impact of fatigue: "I was a step slow on rebounds today because I was tired. When you don't have the energy, you become a liability. I need to work harder, get stronger, and improve in every aspect."
He also admits that battling NBA-caliber big men in the post is a challenge: "Low-post play is much tougher here. I need time to adjust and grow."
And while fans in both China and the US are buzzing about his debut, Yang remains grounded.
"I wouldn't say I became famous overnight. I still have a long way to go to reach the level of American pros. I'm grateful for the love from the fans, but I have to earn that support with hard work and progress."
At a pre-draft media conference, Hall of Famer Yao Ming advised Yang and other young Chinese prospects "to remember one thing: the draft is just a small part of their entire career, or even their life … What really matters is the path they take afterward," according to CNN.
Yang seems to have taken that message to heart. His attitude, humility, and rapid adaptation are making him one of the breakout stories of this year's Summer League. And if this early glimpse is any indication, he's only getting started.
Jiang Xinyu contributed to this story.
