Portland Path Blazers latest heart Yang Hansen raved over Denver Nuggets famous person Nikola Jokic with an sincere admission. Portland shocked the NBA world when it determined to pick the 20-year-old prospect out of Zibo, Shandong, China with the No. 16 total choose. At 7 ft 1, 249 kilos, Hansen is a super-skilled, however uncooked participant at his place who has drawn a placing comparability to the likes of the Nuggets’ biggest participant ever.
Particularly, Yang has proven his excessive ceiling already as a passer this Summer season League, averaging 5 assists by way of these two video games. And it appears fairly clear that the Blazers heart idolizes Jokic when he was requested what he would do when first coming face-to-face with the three-time MVP.
They could be in a loaded Western Convention, however the Blazers have loads of causes to imagine that they will contend for a playoff spot. This core of younger gamers confirmed some encouraging progress in yr 4 below head coach Chauncey Billups, ending the season at 36-46. The centerpiece of this rebuild has been taking pictures guard Shaedon Sharpe, who may very well be primed to take an All-Star-caliber bounce this upcoming season. Nevertheless, not too far behind Sharpe are the likes of Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingnan, all gamers whose greatest years needs to be forward of them.
The Blazers moreover made the daring transfer to commerce for adorned level guard Jrue Vacation, who will assist considerably increase this crew’s defensive ceiling. Hansen, proper now, ought to slot in as a backup heart to Clingnan. Nevertheless, it appears fairly clear that the Blazers plan on pairing the 2 within the beginning frontcourt sooner or later, which might work contemplating Clingnan’s mobility on the perimeter.
Total, Portland needs to be inspired by what it is seen from Hansen, however there’s nonetheless an extended solution to go earlier than he can compete in opposition to Nikola Jokic. And hopefully, when the 2 do ultimately meet, Yang will not be too starstruck by one of many biggest facilities ever. As a result of, in the long run, Jokic remains to be a rival standing in the best way of all the Blazers’ hopes and goals.