How high is Yang’s ceiling in Year One?
The hype train surrounding Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen has slowed some recently, but that’s only because we’ve reached the dead zone of the NBA offseason after his head-turning arrival onto the national scene in late June. That fanfare and excitement is sure to pick back up the second Yang re-enters the spotlight for Trail Blazers Media Day on Monday, Sept. 29, and things get rolling toward the 2025-26 season.
The 7-foot-1 big man from China is at the center of the final installment in today’s three-part community discussion question series (find part 1 here; part 2 here). I’m asking you to think way back to Yang’s exciting play at Las Vegas Summer League in July and then forecast into the future and ask yourself: Will Yang Hansen make an NBA All-Rookie Team during the 2025-26 season?
Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said at Yang’s introductory press conference in late June that the rookie was ready to contribute. The departure of starting center Deandre Ayton this summer also opened up space in the rotation, so the minutes should be there for Yang to make an instant impact. But he’ll need to show a quick learning curve to deliver on the NBA stage as a 20-year-old.
Yang’s new teammate Donovan Clingan did just that a season ago, making the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Could Yang match him or even go higher and make the First Team? What ceiling are you putting on Young Handsome in Year One?
Blazer’s Edge community, call your shot and let us know in the comments below!
Category: General Sports
