Chinese Rookie Yang Hansen Starts in Blazers’ Loss to Grizzlies

BREAKING: Chinese rookie Yang Hansen made his highly anticipated first NBA start for the Portland Trail Blazers on November 19, 2023, against the Memphis Grizzlies. Standing at 7-foot-1, Hansen was thrust into the spotlight as both primary centers, Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III, were sidelined due to injuries.

Despite Hansen’s debut, the Blazers suffered a significant loss, falling 119-96 to the Grizzlies. Hansen’s entry into the starting lineup came after Williams was a late scratch due to illness, while Clingan missed his second consecutive game with a left lower-leg contusion.

Yang, selected 16th overall in last summer’s draft, has averaged just 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game this season. His previous high was nine points in a loss to the Phoenix Suns on November 18. In his first start, he managed to score four points and grab five rebounds in just over 19 minutes of play, showcasing a highlight reel moment with a spin move and dunk over 7-foot-3 Zach Edey.

“It was a great lesson for him to have this experience,” said Tiago Splitter, the Blazers’ interim coach. “He faced a big guy similar to his size and strength, which is invaluable for his development.”

However, the game was not without controversy. In the third quarter, Yang took a hard shot and remained on the floor as play continued, leading to a dunk by Edey on the other end. Splitter expressed his frustration, receiving a technical foul for arguing that officials should have paused the game to check on Yang’s condition. “I don’t understand. Players on the floor, you always take time to check if he’s alright,” Splitter said.

Originally drafted by the Grizzlies before a trade on draft night, Yang spent the previous two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in China, where he averaged an impressive 16.2 points and 10 rebounds in his final season.

As fans and analysts reflect on Yang’s performance, many are eager to see how this experience will shape his future in the league. The Trail Blazers will look to bounce back in their upcoming games, focusing on integrating Yang into their strategy moving forward.

Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA season continues to unfold with exciting developments and emerging talents.