Yang Hansen made his much-anticipated NBA debut with the Portland Trail Blazers during a preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors. The Blazers lost the game 129-123. In his first outing, Hansen contributed four points, four rebounds, one assist, and four turnovers over 21 minutes of play.
3 Key Takeaways from Yang Hansen’s Debut Against Warriors
Adjustment to NBA Speed
One of the primary concerns surrounding Hansen was his ability to keep up with the pace of the NBA. His slower speed was evident, particularly during pick-and-pop situations. The Warriors exploited this weakness, highlighting the need for Hansen to improve his defensive tendencies. With the modern NBA focusing on spaced floor play, Hansen must find ways to adapt his game to become a more effective defender.
Utilizing Offensive Strengths
Hansen was lauded for his exceptional passing abilities and basketball IQ prior to his debut. In the game, he showed flashes of understanding where to be and how to read plays without the ball. However, his inexperience as a rookie hampers his capacity to be the focal point of the offense. For Hansen to thrive, he must discover other avenues to contribute, such as solid screens and effective rebounding.
Expectations and Future Opportunities
Although Hansen’s debut indicated areas for improvement, expectations should be reasonable. The anticipation surrounding him is significant, especially given the 5.2 million views from China during his summer league game. He displayed early nerves but managed to calm down and exhibit promising potential later in the match. It was clear that the entire team, including Hansen, missed the presence of Scoot Henderson during the game.
Hansen will look to build on this experience as the Blazers prepare for their next game against the Sacramento Kings on October 10. With more opportunities and support, fans remain hopeful about Hansen’s development and the contributions he will make to the team.
