Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Has Hilarious Reaction to Yang Hansen’s Request originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
One of the more intriguing players coming out of the 2025 NBA Draft is Chinese center Yang Hansen.
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Hansen was selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers after they made a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire the pick.
The 20-year-old big man impressed during the Summer League in Las Vegas and he has been deemed as “Chinese Jokic” from many around the sport.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola JokicEd Szczepanski-Imagn Images
During his time in Las Vegas, Hansen was asked what he would want whenever he plays against his idol Nikola Jokic next season whenever the Trail Blazers take on the Denver Nuggets.
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“Picture and signature, please,” Hansen said about what he would ask Jokic for when he plays him.
On Tuesday, the NBA posted Jokic’s response to Hansen on social media and it was a hilarious one.
“He’s good. I think I’m happy when he gets in his prime that I’m going to be out of the league probably,” Jokic said about Hansen. “Yeah, he’s talented. Yes, we can have a picture or whatever he wants only if he plays bad against me. Let’s say like that if I destroy him and I score a lot of points then yes. If he do that, no.”
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Jokic, per usual, gave a hilarious response to Hansen’s request but there is no doubt that the young center has earned respect from arguably the best current basketball player in the world.
Of course, Hansen has earned the nickname “Chinese Jokic” due to his similar skillset as the Nuggets’ star and he showed all of it during the NBA Summer League.
Yang Hansen stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In fours games, the 7-1 center averaged 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field and 33.3% from three.
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Hansen will be a key rookie to watch next season and there is no doubt that he is looking forward to meeting and playing against Jokic whenever they face off against each other next season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.