Kawhi Leonard and Yang Hansen connected through a video call on Sunday, sparking excitement about the young player’s NBA future. This interaction comes just a week after Leonard announced plans to visit Asia, including China, next month, highlighting the growing bond between the Clippers star and the promising Portland Trail Blazers rookie.
The call, facilitated with a translator, showcased the two sharing lighthearted moments, which quickly went viral among NBA fans. One comment from the audience captured the mood perfectly:
“Kawhi already recruiting the next Jokic.”
A Reunion with Roots: Leonard’s Past China Visit and Meeting with Yang Hansen
Kawhi Leonard visited China back in 2017 while still with the San Antonio Spurs, promoting basketball across the country. At that time, Yang Hansen was just 12 years old, growing up in Shandong. Their recent interaction reflects Leonard’s interest in getting to know the 7-foot-1 center better before his return to China with the Clippers.
Leonard showed curiosity about Yang’s experience in the NBA, especially after Hansen’s participation in four summer league games. During these games, Hansen observed the rapid pace of NBA play and humorously referred to some players as “rabbits,” capturing the fast, relentless style.
The Clippers star expressed confidence that with more playing time, Yang would adjust well. Leonard mentioned,
“the game would eventually slow down”
for Hansen as he gains experience against formidable NBA talent, showing an encouraging perspective on the rookie’s development.
In the summer league, Yang Hansen averaged 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. Despite flashes of his potential, Hansen faces stiff competition for minutes with Portland’s frontcourt, which includes Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams, and Duop Reath.
Future Prospects: Leonard’s Championship Quest and Hansen’s Role in Trail Blazers’ Rebuild
The LA Clippers concluded their 2025 playoff run in a dramatic seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets but have since strengthened their roster. With the addition of Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, John Collins, and Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac now form a solid core aiming for the 2026 NBA championship.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers continue their rebuilding efforts with Yang Hansen as part of their young nucleus. The team traded Anfernee Simons to acquire Jrue Holiday, aiming to support 21-year-old Scoot Henderson, who will lead the offense under coach Chauncey Billups’s guidance.
Yang Hansen is positioned to compete for playing time as a backup center behind Donovan Clingan and could provide valuable depth, particularly if injuries continue to affect Robert Williams’s availability. His development remains crucial as Portland looks to strengthen its frontcourt depth in the coming seasons.
This interaction between Kawhi Leonard and Yang Hansen not only highlights the camaraderie between established stars and emerging talent but also emphasizes the growing presence of Chinese players in the NBA. Leonard’s encouragement and mentorship could serve as a pivotal influence, as fans eagerly watch Hansen’s progress and dream of seeing the “next Jokic” take shape on the league’s biggest stages.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Kawhi Leonard removed?
A. Last Wednesday, USA Basketball suggested Leonard was not on the team. This decision involved the Clippers and Team USA officials. They observed how the two-time Finals MVP performed during last week’s camp in Las Vegas.
Q. Who will replace Kawhi Leonard in the Olympics?
A. Derrick White will join Team USA’s basketball team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, replacing Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi Leonard, a player for the Los Angeles Clippers, will not be participating. The replacement will be Derrick White, a guard from the Boston Celtics who recently won the NBA Championship.