Hansen Yang, the towering 7-foot-1 rookie for the Portland Trail Blazers, made a notable preseason debut on October 8, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco. The match against the Golden State Warriors ended in a close 129-123 defeat for the Blazers, but Yang’s presence was felt as he stepped onto the court with some of his childhood idols, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Reflecting on the experience, Yang shared his childhood memories of playing the NBA 2K video game, where he often chose to play as Curry. “Standing on the same court today with Curry and Draymond felt a bit surreal,” he said through a translator. Despite the loss and limited scoring—he finished with only six points and fouled out—Yang showcased his potential with four rebounds and an assist during the game.
Yang’s Journey from CBA to NBA
The matchup highlighted Yang’s evolution from a standout in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) to the NBA. Prior to joining the Blazers, he was a prominent player for the Qingdao Eagles, averaging 16.2 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His impressive performance earned him the title of 2025 Rising Star in the CBA, alongside a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024 for blocking an average of 2.7 shots per game.
Coach Chauncey Billups sees significant potential in Yang. He compared him to veteran player Al Horford, noting that Yang has the skill set to eventually excel in multiple facets of the game, including dribbling, passing, and shooting. Billups remarked, “Hansen will eventually have that similar skillset, where he’ll be able to dribble, pass and shoot at a high level when he reaches his potential.”
Despite facing challenges against the Warriors, including being outperformed by forward Quinten Post, who scored 20 points, Yang’s talent was evident. He struggled defensively but demonstrated the ability to adapt, learning valuable lessons from playing against established NBA stars.
Looking Ahead: Yang’s Future in the League
Yang’s journey is just beginning, and he is eager to continue developing his skills in the NBA. After the preseason game, he reflected on the experience, admitting that he still felt starstruck by the players he once idolized. “It just felt unreal, like these guys were characters projected out of 2K,” he stated.
The Blazers will face the Warriors again in the coming weeks, with a rematch scheduled in the Pacific Northwest on October 24. The anticipation for Yang’s next performance is palpable, especially among the large Chinese community in the Bay Area, where his presence as a player of Chinese descent adds a unique dimension to the game.
As Yang continues to grow and learn from his experiences in the NBA, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he develops into the player many believe he can become. The future looks bright for this young sensation, who has already captivated audiences both in China and now in the United States.
