Yang Hansen arrived in the NBA as a relatively unknown player to most, but the Portland Trail Blazers center is working to change that perception with a message to fans in The Players’ Tribune.

Yang was an All-Star in each of the past two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in the CBA, the top professional league in China. He averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, three assists and 2.6 blocks in 32.8 minutes per game across 45 appearances last season.

The 16th pick in the 2025 NBA draft offered extensive background information about himself in the letter published on Friday. He showcased his personality in the long-form piece and offered a fun anecdote about his new organization.

One of the coolest things for me about being picked by Portland is just … the team name.

TRAIL BLAZERS

I find that name interesting. And so fitting for me.

As we all know, it has been a long while since a player from China has been drafted into the NBA. So I am very fortunate to be in the position I am, to be someone representing China at the very highest level of basketball. And I take that responsibility seriously. There are so many talented basketball players in China, so many young kids full of passion who are working hard every day to maybe someday make it to the NBA. If you go on social media, they are everywhere. The future is very bright in my view. 

And this is why, to me, Trailblazers is such a perfect name for my new team. 

It is full of power and hope. 

Yang debuted with the Trail Blazers in summer league, averaging 10.8 points, five rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.2 blocks on 45.7% shooting from the field in four appearances. He scored in double figures three times, including a 15-point effort on July 15.

The 7-footer is highly touted for his overall skill set and ability as a player who can work down low, space the floor and protect the paint. The Trail Blazers have had him on their radar for the past two years and believe he can be a player who contributes at a high level on both sides of the court.

Yang has already made quite an impression on his teammates, Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, with both being intrigued by his potential. His selection was met with some criticism, but it is evident that the organization is very high on him and excited to see him this season.