The Portland Trail Blazers faced a setback against the Los Angeles Clippers, ending with a close score of 114-107. Despite this, their competitive spirit shone through against strong opponents in the Western Conference.
Concerns Surrounding Rookie Yang Hansen
One significant issue that emerged from the game is the limited involvement of rookie Yang Hansen. The promising big man played only four minutes, contributing four points and one rebound. His current season averages stand at 6.5 minutes, two points, one rebound, and one block per game.
Diminished Expectations
- Hansen was selected as the No. 16 overall pick after being a projected second-round choice.
- Portland’s front office had scouted him intensively for two years.
- Many anticipated Hansen would develop gradually, especially after the team drafted Donovan Clingan as a first-round pick last year.
Throughout the offseason, Coach Chauncey Billups and General Manager Joe Cronin expressed confidence in Hansen’s readiness to contribute right away. His impressive summer league and training camp performances seemed to validate their optimism.
Struggles Against Strong Opponents
However, three games into the regular season, it appears that Portland’s coaching staff, including Tiago Splitter, has reservations about deploying Hansen for extended minutes. This is concerning, especially with Robert Williams III sidelined, which could have been a prime opportunity for Hansen to prove himself.
Impact of Ivica Zubac
In the match against the Clippers, Ivica Zubac excelled with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. His dominance inside highlighted Portland’s struggles, particularly in the absence of Clingan.
- Zubac played significantly longer than Clingan, with Splitter opting for a small-ball strategy instead of inserting Hansen.
- Fans have voiced their frustration, particularly given the matchup against a traditional center like Zubac.
Portland struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the game, managing only a 37% shooting rate. Utilizing Hansen as an offensive focal point for brief moments could have provided a valuable change of pace.
Future Prospects for Yang Hansen
The reluctance of both Billups and Splitter to give Hansen extended playing time suggests that the team views his development as a long-term project. While Hansen still has the potential to justify Portland’s first-round investment, fans will need to exercise patience as he works to establish his role on the team amid a challenging frontcourt situation.
