Who Let The Blazers Get Away With Yang Hansen?

Who Let The Blazers Get Away With Yang Hansen?

What if I told you a player with Jokic-like skills slipped under the radar and landed in Portland? No, seriously, how did a guy with that much potential fall into the hands of a team that’s been rebuilding for years? Trust me, this is a story you won’t want to miss. You’ve heard the buzz about the Portland Trailblazers 2025 summer league squad, but one name keeps slipping through the cracks. his game dominant, his future uncertain, and yet somehow the Blazers might have just pulled off a move that could change the trajectory of their franchise. We’re talking about Yang Hansen, the player everyone’s starting to call the Chinese Nicola Joic. But here’s the thing. While the world focuses on the big names, Portland swoops in with a player who could very well be the next big thing. Some are even saying he could be better than Jokic. But how did we get here? How did a player who had all the potential in the world land in the hands of a team like Portland who’s been struggling to find their next true superstar? Let’s break it down. The summer league is a proving ground, a place where rookies can show they’re more than just numbers on a scouting report. But with a player like Hansen, the question was always, could he live up to the hype? Drafted as a player with undeniable talent, Hansen came into the league with a reputation that made some of the biggest names in basketball raise their eyebrows. He’s got the moves, the postgame, and a basketball IQ that would make veterans jealous. And yet, here we are talking about a player who’s not getting the attention he deserves. You see, the comparisons to Nicola Joic weren’t thrown out lightly. On the court, Hansen has the same blend of vision and versatility that the reigning MVP is known for. Watching Hansen execute on the block is like watching Jokic in his prime. Smooth drop steps, expert left-handed layups, and that uncanny ability to find teammates in positions to score. But this isn’t a could be scenario. This is happening right now, and the rest of the league is already catching on. But it’s not just about his post game. The 20-year-old has shown he’s got something most rookies can’t claim. A deep understanding of the game. He can orchestrate an offense like a seasoned vet. Setting screens, moving the ball, finding the open man. It’s all part of his toolkit. And the scary part, he’s only going to get better. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. A player with Hansen’s pedigree, his postgame, and his court awareness should have been a top draft pick. So, why did he fall under the radar? Well, part of it comes down to the international game. Hansen had been playing overseas, away from the glitzy spotlight of NCAA basketball. And while the basketball world was slowly starting to realize his potential, there was still a question about how he would adapt to the NBA. Would he be another case of a hyped up international player who just couldn’t cut it? Would he be another name on the list of what could have been? Portland wasn’t worried about that. They took a gamble. They saw the potential for something more. And boy, did it pay off. And then came the summer league. There are a lot of players who walk into the summer league with something to prove. But for Hansen, it was about showing the world he was more than just a comparison to Joic. It was about showing that he could step into an NBA game, adapt, and perform. And perform he did. With averages of 11.7 points, four rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, Hansen was showing everyone he wasn’t just some project player. This guy was ready. He was already blending into the Blazers system like he had been there for years. And that confidence was contagious. But it wasn’t just his scoring. It wasn’t just his vision. It was the little things. The quiet moments where his IQ took center stage. The way he could identify mismatches before anyone else even noticed. The way he could guard the paint with a poise that belied his age. The way he would calmly sink a three-pointer when the defense gave him space and then celebrated it with a level of swagger that most NBA veterans would kill for. It’s no wonder why Blazers fans were quietly losing their minds. Was this the future of the team? Could Hansen be the centerpiece Portland had been searching for? What’s even more chilling is this. Hansen’s three-point shooting has improved drastically since his international days. In the summer league, he shot a respectable 36.4% from deep. For a player with his size and versatility, that could make him a matchup nightmare. If his shooting continues to improve, we’re looking at a player who could legitimately threaten defenses from all over the floor. But what if that’s just the beginning? His post game, it’s already looking like a weapon the Blazers can’t afford to overlook. His ability to command the paint while also facilitating plays for teammates means he could be a dual threat on both ends of the floor. That’s the kind of player who can turn a team around. Now, let’s talk about what happens when the spotlight really shines on Hansen in a league where everything is about matchups. How do you stop a guy like Yang Hansen? At 6’9 in, with a postgame smoother than butter and a growing three-point shot, Hansen is a matchup nightmare waiting to happen. And if you’re a team like the Blazers, you know, you can’t let this potential slip away. But here’s the kicker. As much as we want to praise his offensive skill set, it’s his defense that could really push him into the upper echelons of NBA talent. Hansen is already showing promise as a shot blocker. And with the defensive acumen he’s flashed in the summer league, it’s easy to imagine him as a key piece in Portland’s long-term defensive schemes. And don’t sleep on the way he’s built for the grind. He’s not just a finesse player. Hansen has the kind of toughness that makes him a nightmare in the paint. Whether it’s taking a hit and finishing strong or locking down his man on the other end, he’s starting to carve out a reputation as a two-way player who can do it all. But why did Portland of all teams seem to recognize Hansen’s value so quickly? What did they see that other teams didn’t? Well, here’s where it gets interesting. The Blazers have been in a rebuilding phase for a while now. Their future is in flux with Damen Lillard’s status always in the background and the organization trying to figure out how to move forward post CJ McCollum. But instead of just going after the high-profile picks, Portland quietly assembled a group of young, hungry players like Hansen, who could eventually help them become a legitimate threat. Hansen’s ability to stretch the floor while providing solid defense could be the foundation of a new dynamic offense for the Blazers. Pair him with the rising stars like Scoot Henderson, and you’ve got a team capable of making waves in the West. But make no mistake, Portland is betting on potential. This isn’t just about Hansen having a good summer league showing. It’s about seeing something in him that others might have overlooked. The fact that Portland managed to secure him without having to make a huge splash in the draft could prove to be the steal of the year. You don’t just get a player like Hansen and not have plans for him. If the Blazers are playing their cards right, they’re looking at a future where Hansen is their centerpiece, their new star. Think about it. With his playmaking ability, his vision, and that fluid postgame, Hansen could be the kind of player who pulls the team together and makes everyone around him better. Now, it’s easy to forget how critical these next couple of years are for the Blazers. They’ve been caught in a cycle of rebuilding and they need someone to take them out of it. That’s why Hansen could be a gamecher. His skill set isn’t just unique. It’s exactly what the Blazers need. A big man who can space the floor, make plays, and yes, defend when it counts. And while it’s still too early to declare him an all-star, every game he plays gives us more reason to believe that we might be looking at one of the best value picks of the draft. But here’s the $64,000 question. Will Hansen continue to develop? It’s no secret that every player faces their own set of challenges when making the leap to the NBA. The signs are encouraging. His three-point shot has improved. His postgame is lethal, and he’s shown leadership and basketball IQ beyond his years. That’s where the pressure shifts to Portland. They have to nurture this talent and ensure that Hansen doesn’t just become another what could have been story. So, what do you think? Could Yang Hansen really be the future of the Portland Trailblazers? If you’re as excited as we are about his potential, hit that like button, drop your thoughts in the comments, and share this video with your fellow NBA fans. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insider stories and all the latest updates from the world of basketball. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and adventure allowed.

Who Let The Blazers Get Away With Yang Hansen?
This **nba** story dives into a player with **nikola jokic**-like skills who landed with the **portland trail blazers**. How did this potential **nba draft** steal slip under the radar? His **basketball** prowess is undeniable. #yanghansen #portlandtrailblazers #basketball #nba