UPDATE: In a thrilling yet challenging debut, Yang Hansen, the 7-foot-1 rookie from China, made his first NBA start for the Portland Trail Blazers on November 19, 2023, against the Memphis Grizzlies. Yang stepped into the spotlight as both of the Blazers’ primary centers, Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III, were sidelined—Williams due to an illness and Clingan missing his second consecutive game with a left lower-leg contusion.
The Grizzlies surged ahead early, ultimately defeating Portland with a score of 119-96. Yang entered the game averaging just 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game, but he showcased his potential with a highlight play—a spin move and dunk over fellow big man Zach Edey, who stands at 7-foot-3.
In just over 19 minutes on the court, Yang finished with four points on 2-of-5 shooting and secured five rebounds. His performance improved as the game progressed, leading interim coach Tiago Splitter to express optimism about Yang’s future.
“His beginning wasn’t great, but he finished the game better,”
Splitter commented.
“It was a great lesson for him to have this experience, to go there and play against a big guy similar to his size and strength.”
Yang faced a tough moment in the third quarter when he took a hard shot and fell to the floor, leading to a breakaway dunk by Edey on the opposite end. Splitter expressed his frustration with the officials, receiving a technical foul for his passionate appeal to stop play and check on Yang’s condition.
“That’s why I was furious,”
he explained.
“I don’t understand. Players on the floor, you always take time to check if he’s alright.”
Originally selected by the Grizzlies in the draft before a trade to Portland, Yang had a standout two-season career with the Qingdao Eagles in China’s professional league, averaging 16.2 points and 10 rebounds in his final season.
As the Trail Blazers look to bounce back, all eyes will be on Yang as he continues to adapt to the NBA level. The experience gained from this game could prove invaluable as he develops into a key player for Portland. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this promising rookie will respond in upcoming matchups.
