UPDATE: Yang Hansen, the towering 7-foot-1 rookie from China, made his highly anticipated NBA starting debut against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 19, 2023, but the Portland Trail Blazers suffered a heavy defeat, falling 119-96.
Yang stepped into the starting lineup after the Trail Blazers’ primary centers, Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III, were sidelined. Williams was a late scratch due to illness, while Clingan missed his second consecutive game with a left lower-leg contusion.
Entering the game, Yang had been averaging just 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game, with a season-high of nine points in a previous loss to the Phoenix Suns. In his debut, he managed four points on 2-of-5 shooting and secured five rebounds in just over 19 minutes of play. Notably, he delivered an impressive spin move and dunk over fellow big man Zach Edey, standing at 7-foot-3.
“This experience is invaluable for him,” said Tiago Splitter, the Trail Blazers’ interim coach. “His beginning wasn’t great, but he finished the game better. It’s a great lesson for him to play against someone of similar size and strength.”
Yang’s night took a tough turn when he took a hard shot in the third quarter, leading him to the floor as play continued. In a heated moment, Splitter was assessed a technical foul for arguing with officials about Yang’s safety. “That’s why I was furious,” Splitter expressed. “You always check on players on the floor. If they’re hurt, you must stop the game.”
Originally drafted by the Grizzlies before being traded to Portland, Yang previously played two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in China’s professional league, where he averaged 16.2 points and 10 rebounds in his final season.
As the Trail Blazers move forward, all eyes will be on Yang as he gains more experience in the league. His performance tonight marks a significant step in his NBA journey, and fans will be eager to see how he develops in upcoming games.
