With the Portland Trail Blazers short-handed, rookie Yang Hansen made his first career start, logging a season high in minutes in a 119-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Yang was elevated into the starting lineup on Sunday by interim coach Tiago Splitter, with Donovan Clingan (leg contusion) and Robert Williams III (illness) sidelined. He tallied four points, five rebounds and two assists, finishing a plus-two in 19 minutes, 13 seconds of action.
The 16th pick was primarily matched up with fellow 7-footer Zach Edey, limiting him to 2-of-7 shooting from the field while forcing two turnovers. He struggled to get started, committing four fouls in the first half, before settling in during the second half.
“I think his beginning wasn’t great, but he finished the game better,” Splitter said. “It was a great lesson for him to have this experience to play against a big guy similar to his size and strength (Edey). A great lesson to get better and work on his game.”
Yang has played sporadically to begin the season, averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 30% from the field across 7.7 minutes per game in 13 appearances. He has logged more than 10 minutes only two other times, including a nine-point performance on Nov. 18.
The 20-year-old from China has also played three games in the G League, averaging 16.3 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. He totaled 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocked shots in his last appearance on Thursday.
The Trail Blazers were ecstatic to draft Yang, though the team believes he will need added improvement in some areas to see a consistent role. They are high on his potential and will be eager to see his continued development throughout the year.