The 2025 Las Vegas NBA Summer League concluded Sunday with the Charlotte Hornets defeating the Sacramento Kings to clinch the championship. Among many impressive performances, Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen captured significant attention after being picked 16th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Expectations for Hansen evolved rapidly, as he was initially projected to be a second-round selection before the Trail Blazers traded up with the Memphis Grizzlies to secure him earlier in the first round.
Statistical Parallels Between Hansen and Nikola Jokic
Yang Hansen has drawn notable comparisons to Denver Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic, often nicknamed the “Chinese Jokic” for his similar playing style and skill set. Hansen’s Summer League performance bolstered these comparisons: he averaged 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. For context, Jokic posted averages of 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game during his 2015 Summer League debut, highlighting Hansen’s strong statistical showing as a newcomer.
Hansen’s Dominance in China and Transition to the NBA
Before entering the NBA, Hansen was a dominant force in the Chinese league, where he averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 58.6% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. This performance set high expectations for his rookie season in Portland. With the Trail Blazers having bought out veteran center Deandre Ayton, Hansen is expected to have significant playing time, sharing frontcourt responsibilities mainly with Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III.
Challenges Ahead for Hansen Amid High Comparisons
Despite these opportunities, Hansen faces considerable pressure to match the level of Nikola Jokic, who is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players globally. The Trail Blazers are counting on Hansen to build on his impressive Summer League trial and replicate his previous success at the international level. How he adapts and grows in his first NBA season will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money is Nikola Jokic?
A. A player drafted in 2014 spent three seasons with the Denver Nuggets. In 2018, he signed a contract extension for five years, potentially earning up to $147 million. In 2022, he secured a supermax contract for five years, totaling $264 million.