Yang Hansen was arguably the most surprising selection of the 2025 NBA Draft. The Portland Trail Blazers saw him as their long-term prospect, dating back to 2023 when they scouted him in China. Despite the logjam of centers on the roster, they wanted Yang to play in Rip City.

Now that he’s with the team, he is practicing for the NBA Summer League. He also had his first post-practice interview with his translator. Yang was in his usual good spirits as he addressed the media.

Yang is a polarizing name in the NBA community, but he has the Blazers fans and his camp excited. Portland’s head coach, Chauncey Billups, is excited to see Yang on the court despite the language barrier.

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With his status as a 16th overall pick and “reach,” Yang has a lot to prove. That is additional motivation for him, as he wants to cement himself as a player Portland can trust. During his first practice with the Blazers, he made sure to make his mark.

It is important to impress people, as some consider him the Chinese version of Nikola Jokic. That is an absurd comparison to make for a 20-year-old. However, Yang wants to play well enough to impress the Blazers’ fan base.

He does not want to go overboard as he wants to play his natural game. However, he wants to stamp himself as a versatile player who can also defend and rebound. Since Donovan Clingan will be his teammate, Yang must provide a similar level of impact.

“It will change a bit for sure because now, he’s a rookie. The main job for him is not to score. The main job is defense. I need to grab every rebound to help the team play better. I can help them by utilizing my playmaking skills, and help the team play better,” Yang said through his translator after practice.

“Everything for the team. If I make a great pass that day, I will go back and watch the highlights from that game.”

With the Blazers’ NBA Summer League campaign fast approaching, Yang wants to perform at the highest level. He will garner a lot of people’s attention due to his size, high draft selection, and skill.

Yang is already working hard behind the scenes to play as best as he can in the Summer League. Despite all the pressure he is under, Yang looks comfortable and ready to showcase himself.

He might not understand the English language completely, but he is ready to play to the best of his ability. With his ever-improving English skills, Yang should be comfortable playing at the NBA Summer League. As long as he’s playing the game, he has enough basketball IQ to stay on the court and thrive.

The Summer League games will also be a good preview of what’s to come in the 2025-26 regular season. Clingan will be the starting center, but Yang can get a lot of minutes, especially after the Deandre Ayton buyout. With the Summer League run, Yang can prove that he belongs on the Blazers’ roster.