His solely NBA expertise may prolong to the summer time league at this stage, however the middle of the Blazers of Path Rookie, Yang Hansen, has already obtained comparisons with an outdated celebrity of the famend temple.
In a means, no less than.
Ben Golliver from Washington Put up means that Hansen’s character already reminds him of the nice and welcoming perspective uncovered by the outdated All-Star at 15 instances Shaquille O’Neal.
Attribute: Yang Hansen, an imposing buffoon with a “fats boy” previous, is the NBA summer time star.
THE @Trailblazers Rookie, who attracted 5.4 million Chinese language viewers for a summer time league match, on life, strain, Yao Ming and the glory of sleep @washingtonpost https://t.co/fdbrigxb3s– Ben Golliver (@Bengolliver) July 20, 2025
“Whereas Star Massive Males akin to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Victor Wembanyama typically appeared critical and stored in public, the sunshine character of Yang remembers one other imposing jester: Shaquille O’Neal,” writes Golliver.
For his half, Yang appears at this factor of his temperament.
Extra information: The previous Blazers Middle features nice honor on the famend temple
“I do not thoughts consideration,” stated Yang. “It has been a part of the work. That is the right time to point out my humor. Generally you will notice my face down. It doesn’t suggest I am pissed off. It means I need to go to sleep. I’ll save my phrases generally as a result of I need to go to mattress.”
Elsewhere within the historical past of Golliver, Hansen revealed the humorous origins of his younger curiosity in basketball.
Extra information: Jrue Vacation has an formidable aim for the approaching season with the Blazers
“I used to be a little bit of a giant boy” once I was a toddler, stated Hansen. “My father stated to me:” Do not turn out to be massive. “”
Basketball, one of many quickest and most cell video games, has turn out to be an apparent resolution for a younger Hansen.
He then flowered with the Qingda Eagles of Chinese language Basketball Affiliation of 2023-25. In 45 video games final yr, Hansen collected a mean of 16.6 factors on .586 / .333 / .671 capturing movie, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.0 interceptions per night time.
Portland exchanged for selection n ° 16 and the mission of rights on the Hansen of seven toes 1 inch. In the summertime league, Hansen revealed why he may already be a usable backup for the alleged starter Donovan Vlangan.
Extra information: Jrue Vacation has an formidable aim for the approaching season with the Blazers
In seven video games between California Traditional and NBA 2K26 Summer time League in Las Vegas, 20 years outdated, raised a mean of 9.9 factors on .451 / .286 / .826 capturing, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists (in opposition to 4.1 disturbing reveals) and 1.6 blocks per match.
Golliver notes that one Hansen summer time league competitors has scored 5.4 million Chinese language viewers, a counting suggesting {that a} profitable skilled race may very well be a significant boon for NBA scores.
Extra information: Blazers of $ 134.4 million All-Star Guard calls Yang Hansen a “celebrity”
For extra information and notes on the Blazers of Portland Path, go to Portland Path Blazers on Si.
