As the 2025–2026 NBA regular season draws near, Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen is preparing for an anticipated faceoff against his idol, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Despite the upcoming competition, Hansen’s admiration for Jokic shines through, with his initial fan wishes reflecting personal rather than basketball-related interests.
Instead of immediately seeking advice on improving his game, Hansen revealed he intends to focus on memorabilia. His translator conveyed his request to reporters:
“Picture? Signature, please?”
This highlights Hansen’s desire to cherish the moment as a devoted fan before discussing basketball techniques.
Impressive Rookie Debut Sets High Expectations
Yang Hansen’s interaction with the media has quickly gained attention, overshadowing his already notable Summer League debut. In his first NBA appearance, Hansen posted a stat line of 10 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, contributing significantly to the Trail Blazers’ decisive 106-73 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
His versatile performance has led many analysts and fans to nickname him the Chinese Nikola Jokic, a testament to his multifaceted skill set and promising future as a big man with playmaking abilities.
Other Influences Beyond Jokic
Before the 2025 NBA Draft, Hansen publicly named several players he admires, including LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun, and Domantas Sabonis. Each of these athletes is known for their versatility and impact as international players who excel in modern basketball.
Hansen’s draft journey was unexpected; initially projected as a second-round pick, the Memphis Grizzlies selected him 16th overall before trading him to Portland. This milestone made him only the ninth Chinese player ever to be drafted into the NBA, marking a significant achievement in his basketball career.
As he embarks on his rookie season, Hansen remains focused on holistic growth. He expressed his ambitions, saying:
“I wish to have an all-round development and explore new possibilities for my future,”
Hansen said.
“Everyone should have a dream. Passion and perseverance are key, and the efforts in daily training will ultimately pay off. I appreciate the encouragement and supports from fans on social media, and I am focused on embracing a memorable journey ahead.”
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Challenges
Yang Hansen’s next challenge comes quickly as he prepares to lead the Blazers in the upcoming Summer League game against the Memphis Grizzlies. His performances continue to draw attention as he balances the excitement of competing against his idols with a determined focus on establishing his own legacy in the league.
Hansen’s journey from a passionate admirer of Nikola Jokic to a promising rookie reflects not only his talent but also the growing global influence of international players in the NBA. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his skills develop and how his experience facing established stars like Jokic will shape his career.