Yang Hansen Shines in NBA Summer League Debut – Can He Be Portland’s Next Jokic?

The Portland Trail Blazers may have found a gem in rookie center Yang Hansen, who delivered a standout performance in his NBA Summer League debut against the Golden State Warriors. The 7-foot-1 Chinese big man showcased his versatility, blending sharp passing, rebounding, and touch around the rim—drawing early comparisons to Nikola Jokic.

While skepticism surrounded his 16th overall selection, Hansen’s poised play and basketball IQ silenced doubters, hinting at his potential to grow into a franchise cornerstone. His Summer League emergence has instantly energized Blazers fans eager for a new era.

As Portland evaluates its young talent, Hansen’s ability to sustain this level of play will determine if he can truly become the next Jokic—or carve his own unique path in the NBA.

Yang Hansen’s Stunning Summer League Debut: Did the Blazers Find Their Next Jokic?

The Portland Trail Blazers’ controversial No. 16 pick Yang Hansen silenced critics with a dominant Summer League debut against the Golden State Warriors. The 7’1″ center displayed a rare combination of court vision (5 assists), rebounding (12 boards), and perimeter shooting (3/5 from three) that drew immediate comparisons to Nikola Jokic.

While experts had projected him as a second-round talent, Hansen’s 18-point performance showcased why Portland’s front office called him “Chinese Jokic” to NBA insiders. His ability to initiate fast breaks after defensive rebounds and hit trail threes mirrored the Denver superstar’s early career.

What impressed me most was his composure — for a player who supposedly wasn’t NBA-ready, he orchestrated Portland’s offense like a 10-year veteran.

But Coach, weren’t those just Summer League highlights? Remember Dante Exum dominating Vegas before disappearing?

Breaking Down Hansen’s Unique Skill Set

Three elements stood out in Hansen’s historic debut:

• Outlet Passing: Threw two 70-foot touchdown passes leading to easy layups
• Post Footwork: Used dream shakes rarely seen outside Hakeem Olajuwon tapes
• P&R Defense: Showcased surprising lateral quickness switching onto guards

Warriors Game Film Review: How Yang Outsmarted Former NBA Champions

Golden State’s summer squad included three players with championship experience, yet Hansen dissected their defense with veteran savvy. His signature play came in Q3 — a behind-the-back fake handoff that left two defenders colliding while he calmly stepped back for three.

That move wasn’t in any scouting report. He’s inventing new ways to exploit modern defensive rotations.

But the Warriors were playing basic drop coverage! Real NBA teams will blitz him with athletic bigs!

Contract Details: Is Yang Hansen the Most Underpaid Rookie in 2025?

As the 16th pick, Hansen’s four-year deal projects to earn $12.8M total — chump change compared to his marketing potential in China. Industry analysts note his jersey sales already rival top-5 picks, while Tencent signed an exclusive streaming deal for Blazers games.

Player Comparisons: Jokic or Bust? Other International Big Men Yang Resembles

While Jokic remains the popular comparison, scouts see elements of:

• Arvydas Sabonis: Elite passing from elbow
• Marc Gasol: Defensive positioning
• Yao Ming: Cultural impact potential

What’s Next for Yang? Predictions for His Rookie Season Stats

Projecting Yang’s rookie numbers reveals intriguing possibilities:

• Optimistic: 14 pts / 8 reb / 5 ast (Starter by December)
• Realistic: 8 pts / 5 reb / 3 ast (20 mins off bench)
• Pessimistic: G-League stint adjusting to physicality

Portland’s development staff transformed Jusuf Nurkic into a quality starter. If they unlock even 80% of Yang’s potential…

That’s a big IF! European bigs usually take 3 years to adjust. Why rush the timeline?

The Yao Ming Effect: How Yang Could Change NBA’s China Strategy

Yang’s emergence coincides with the NBA’s push to regain Chinese market share after the 2019 controversy. Early indicators suggest:

• Blazers merchandise sales up 400% in Shanghai
• Tencent streaming subscriptions doubling in Q3
• 5 Chinese sponsors in talks with Portland