The Portland Trail Blazers shocked everyone when they selected Chinese center Yang Hansen in the 2025 Draft.
He is an unproven prospect, but Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is confident he can maximize Yang despite the language barrier.
It was surprising to see Yang Hansen go so early in the 2025 NBA Draft. The expectations were a late first-round selection or an early pick in the second round. That was not the case because the Portland Trail Blazers made the reach and got their guy.
Blazers GM Joe Cronin and notable draft guru and assistant GM Mike Schmitz made the pick happen. It was a long-term project, as Schmitz went to China solely to scout Yang. He joins a stacked group of centers that includes Donovan Clingan, Deandre Ayton, and Robert Williams III.
Some people have concerns regarding the language barrier with Yang. The Blazers have no issues because they know Yang is studying and will be a natural on the court.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesBillups sees Yang adapting well to the NBA
The first hurdle Yang must overcome is the language barrier. He is not yet fluent in the English language, but he knows how to speak and understand some words. During his introduction, he had a hilarious moment when he said he loves sleeping and playing games on his PS5.
Billups will adjust to having a translator present when coaching, but that won’t be a long-term problem. Most NBA players adapt to the language well, and with the team’s help, they will have tutors. It is another challenge for Billups, as he continues to help build the team with his latest extension.
“It will be kinda unique coaching through a translator. I anticipate that won’t happen for too long.
“He’s really determined to understand the language; obviously, you can see him trying. He’s doing a good job already answering the questions,” Billups said in the presser.
“Basketball language is kinda universal. They will probably sound really fast to him, as it’s coming to him. But we’ll be spending a lot of time on it. There will be some adjustments we have to make naturally, in film sessions, huddles, and things of that nature.”
“I’m excited for it, for the challenge. It will be a little unique for sure… I’ll try and do everything I can. I already know ‘Ni Hao,’ I know that.”
Yang has the potential to become a difference maker
The Blazers’ center logjam can be worrying, but Ayton and Williams are entering the final year of their contracts. That means Portland can commit to having Clingan and Yang as their center rotation for the future.
Billups was candid about not playing them together, which means Clingan and Yang will be in the rotation later down the line. They will likely trade both Ayton and Williams, as they want to maximize those contracts by getting good value.
When that happens, the Blazers will commit to Clingan and Yang alongside their young core. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are promising guards, while Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija are superb wings.
Billups is instrumental in encouraging these young players to keep working. His presence could help the team move further and showcase their promise in a competitive Western Conference. Yang might not live up to the comparisons to Nikola Jokic, but he’s skilled enough to stay in the NBA.