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Damian Lillard praises rookie Yang Hansen's skills

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has high hopes for his rookie teammate Yang Hansen.

July 23, 2025 at 12:19 AM

Lillard on Yang Hansen: ‘This is a Real Player’

Damian Lillard is impressed with his new teammate Yang Hansen's skills.

Lillard praises rookie Yang Hansen as a real player

Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers has expressed admiration for rookie Yang Hansen following his initial experiences with the young center. In a press conference, Lillard noted that he was unaware of Yang before the draft. However, after watching him during the NBA Summer League, he concluded, "this is a real player". Yang, who stands 7-foot-1 and is from China, has shown potential in his game play, particularly in today's fast-paced league. The Blazers selected him with the 16th pick, and during the Summer League, Yang averaged 10.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

Key Takeaways

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Damian Lillard values Yang Hansen's confidence and skills.

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Yang's selection as the No. 16 pick shows Blazers' commitment to building talent.

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His Summer League performance indicates his readiness for the NBA.

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International players are becoming crucial in modern basketball.

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Lillard's excitement suggests a hopeful future for the Blazers.

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The team's recent changes mark a fresh start in Rip City.

"This is a real player, especially with the way the league is now"

Lillard highlights Yang's ability to playmake and contribute to the team.

"He’s got some swag to him, and I think that’s good for a rookie"

Lillard emphasizes the importance of confidence for young players entering the NBA.

Lillard's endorsement of Yang Hansen could indicate a positive shift for the Blazers as they aim to regroup after a tumultuous season. His comments highlight the importance of confidence for a player adjusting to the NBA. Yang's integration into the team is particularly notable as he represents a growing trend of international talent entering the league. This not only enriches the game's diversity but also raises expectations for young players from abroad, especially in the shadow of the league's changing dynamics.

Highlights

This is a real player in the making.
Confidence is key for a rookie in the league.
Yang Hansen shows he can play at a high level.
Exciting times ahead for the Blazers.

Potential challenges for Yang Hansen in the NBA

Entering the NBA as a young international player brings challenges, including adaptation to a new culture and style of play. Expectations may weigh heavily on him given Lillard's praise, potentially leading to pressure from fans and media.

As Yang Hansen adjusts, he could become a key player for the Blazers moving forward.

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portland trail blazers damian lillard yang hansen nba basketball sports basketball NBA

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