The Portland Trail Blazers shocked the basketball world on draft night by selecting the 7-foot-3 center Yang Hansen much earlier than expected. Many experts had predicted Hansen would be chosen 20 to 30 picks later, but the Blazers’ bold move signals strong confidence in his potential. Hansen lived up to the hype during his NBA Summer League debut in Las Vegas, showcasing exceptional playmaking skills that captured fans’ attention.
Exceptional Performance Highlights Versatile Skill Set
In his first game, Hansen delivered an impressive stat line of 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks while shooting efficiently from both inside and beyond the arc. His unique combination of size and vision allowed him to dictate the pace and flow of the game, drawing immediate comparisons to Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Observers were particularly impressed by his creative passing and ability to orchestrate the offense despite his towering presence on the court.
Reflecting the excitement around Hansen’s entrance onto the professional stage, a social media commentator declared,
The Yang Hansen show premiered in Las Vegas tonight! A walking highlight reel in his Trail Blazers summer debut.
—Social media commentator
Admiration for Jokic and Developing Confidence
Beyond his on-court contributions, Hansen’s personality and genuine respect for his idols resonated with fans. When asked about facing the Nuggets and meeting Jokic, Hansen’s playful reply, “Picture? Signature, please?” quickly went viral, revealing his approachable nature despite rising stardom. Analysts have praised his intelligence and court awareness, with basketball expert Jake Weinbach stating,
Hansen is legit. The 20-year-old center has an exceptionally high IQ for his age, crafty footwork, and an all-around skill set that fills up the box score. There are definitely shades of Jokic in his game.
—Jake Weinbach, basketball analyst
Promising Prospect with a Bright NBA Career Ahead
Hansen’s promising start in the Summer League has made him a fan favorite, as the Trail Blazers’ gamble appears increasingly wise. By modeling his play after the three-time NBA MVP Jokic, Hansen blends impressive size with elite playmaking, suggesting he could become a key piece for Portland in the future. As the season progresses, basketball enthusiasts will be closely monitoring his development, eager to see how far his skills and leadership will take him in the NBA.