Why the Trail Blazers Need to Make Yang Hansen a Priority - Now, Not Later
We’re 26 games into the 2025-26 season, and the Portland Trail Blazers are still trying to figure out exactly what they have in rookie big man Yang Hansen. So far, the picture’s been anything but clear.
Hansen’s played in just 13 games, averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.7 minutes per night. That’s not a ton of floor time for a first-round pick - especially one the Blazers reached for at No. 16 when most draft boards had him pegged as a second-rounder.
Portland’s front office made it clear they were betting on long-term upside. But if that’s the case, why not give him the reps he needs to develop - and more importantly, to evaluate?
A Season of Highs, Lows, and Uncertainty
Hansen’s rookie campaign has been a rollercoaster. Early on, he looked like a draft-night steal - flashing advanced footwork, sharp passing instincts, and a feel for the game that’s rare in 20-year-old bigs. For a moment, it looked like Portland had found something special.
But as the season wore on and the competition stiffened, the learning curve hit hard. NBA speed, physicality, and defensive schemes started to overwhelm him.
The hype cooled. The minutes dried up.
And now, Hansen’s mostly watching from the bench.
So what is he - a steal or a swing and a miss? The truth is, it’s way too early to say.
He’s 20. He’s raw.
He’s a project. That was always the expectation.
But what’s becoming more evident by the game is that Portland isn’t doing themselves - or Hansen - any favors by keeping him glued to the bench.
The Memphis Game: A Glimpse of What Could Be
If there’s one game that should be circled in red ink for the Blazers’ coaching staff, it’s Hansen’s first start against the Memphis Grizzlies. It didn’t start pretty - Zach Edey had his way with Hansen in the first half, bullying him in the paint and exposing his inexperience. But then something clicked.
In the second half, Hansen adjusted. He held his ground.
He battled. He started to read the game in real time and made life harder for one of the league’s most physically dominant centers.
That kind of in-game growth? You don’t see that every day - and certainly not from a rookie who’s barely cracked the rotation.
That performance didn’t earn him a permanent spot in the lineup, though. Interim head coach Tiago Splitter has been cautious with Hansen, clearly believing he’s not ready for consistent NBA minutes. But maybe the only way Hansen gets ready is by being thrown into the fire.
G League Success Isn’t the Point
Yes, Hansen’s looked good in G League stints. But that’s not the concern.
The real question is whether his game can translate against NBA-level athletes, speed, and schemes. That’s not something you can simulate in practice or in the G League.
It takes real, meaningful minutes - even if they come with mistakes.
The Blazers took Hansen at No. 16 for a reason. His basketball IQ stood out.
His instincts were ahead of schedule. Against Memphis, he showed he can learn and adjust quickly.
That’s the kind of developmental trait you want to invest in - but it only pays off if you give him the reps to grow.
Portland’s In-Between Season Is the Perfect Time
Let’s be honest: Portland is fighting for a play-in spot, but without a major trade deadline swing, they’re not a real postseason threat. This is a transitional year - and that’s exactly when a team should be investing in long-term pieces like Hansen.
Next season, expectations will rise. The roster will likely improve.
Damian Lillard is expected back. And when that happens, minutes will be harder to come by.
If Hansen can’t carve out a role now, it’s only going to get tougher down the road.
The Robert Williams III Factor
There’s also a roster decision looming. Robert Williams III remains a potential trade chip heading into February’s deadline. But the Blazers can’t make that move confidently unless they know what they have in Hansen.
The original plan was for Hansen to back up Donovan Clingan - a setup that would’ve made Williams expendable. But with Hansen stuck in limbo, Portland doesn’t have the clarity it needs to make that call. And that makes an already tricky situation even more complicated.
It’s Time to Find Out What They Have
At some point, the Blazers need to stop protecting Hansen from the NBA and start letting him face it. The only way to know if he’s part of the future is to give him a real shot in the present.
This season isn’t about wins and losses - it’s about building a foundation. And that foundation should include a real evaluation of Yang Hansen.
Whether he’s the long-term answer at center or not, the Blazers can’t afford to keep guessing. It’s time to find out.