Trail Blazers Rookie Yang Hansen Impresses at Training Camp

TUALATIN, Oregon — Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Yang Hansen, selected No. 16 in the 2025 NBA Draft from the CBA’s Qingdao Eagles, is adapting to the challenges of his first NBA training camp. Standing 7-foot-1, Hansen has expressed his admiration for the team’s focus on the finer details of the game.

“Everything here is more focused on details,” Hansen stated through his translator, Chris Liu, during a press conference on Thursday.

Portland’s highest-paid player, power forward Jerami Grant, praised Hansen’s rapid learning ability. “He’s doing great,” Grant said. “He’s figuring it out really fast, picking up a lot of the plays and movements. He doesn’t speak English, so it’s a little difficult, but he’s intuitive and smart.”

Regarding his role in the Blazers’ center hierarchy, Hansen has humorously suggested more playing time alongside presumed starter Donovan Clingan. “Maybe you can tell Chauncey [Billups],” he joked, grinning. “Go twin towers, two centers on the court.”

Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups acknowledged Hansen’s impressive progress so far. “He’s about where I thought he would be. Offensively, he’ll be there. Defensively, he’s a little behind since he didn’t have to fight for rebounds in China. But he’s learning, and he’s right where a rookie should be at,” Billups said.

The NBA game’s pace poses a significant adjustment for Hansen. “The speed of the game is totally different,” Billups affirmed, noting, “I’m happy with where he’s at.”

During the Summer League, Hansen averaged 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds across seven games, shooting 45.1 percent from the field. Last season with Qingdao, he averaged 16.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.

As the team prepares for their exhibition opener against the Golden State Warriors, Billups is still finalizing his starting lineup and rotation, ensuring a dynamic approach throughout the preseason. “There’s lots to gain from these little dress rehearsals,” he said. With the uncertainty of his team’s structure, he plans to rotate his lineup and evaluate player performance closely.

“We’re very confident,” veteran guard Jrue Holiday added. “We play very fast, we play very hard, and we play a lot of defense. I think we’re in a good spot.”