Yang Hansen Named to Rising Stars Roster for NBA All-Star Weekend
The NBA’s Rising Stars game just got a little more intriguing for Portland fans. Trail Blazers rookie center Yang Hansen has officially been named to the 2026 Rising Stars roster, joining a field of up-and-coming talent that will take center stage during All-Star Weekend. Hansen will represent the G League team in the annual showcase, highlighting the league’s brightest young prospects.
He’s not the only Blazer getting some All-Star Weekend shine. Fellow big man Donovan Clingan, in his sophomore season, has also been selected and will suit up for the Sophomore Team. It’s a notable moment for a Portland squad in the middle of a rebuild-seeing two of their young centers earn recognition on a national stage is a sign that things may be trending in the right direction.
A Closer Look at the Rising Stars Rosters
The Rising Stars format continues to evolve, and this year’s edition features a three-team format: Rookies, Sophomores, and G League standouts. Here’s how the rosters shake out:
Sophomore Team:
- Matas Buzelis (Bulls)
- Alex Sarr (Wizards)
- Stephon Castle (Spurs)
- Reed Sheppard (Rockets)
- Donovan Clingan (Blazers)
- Cam Spencer (Grizzlies)
- Kyshawn George (Wizards)
- Jaylon Tyson (Cavaliers)
- Ajay Mitchell (Thunder)
- Kel’el Ware (Heat)
- Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies)
Rookie Team:
- Cedric Coward (Grizzlies)
- Dylan Harper (Spurs)
- Egor Demin (Nets)
- Tre Johnson (Wizards)
- VJ Edgecomb (76ers)
- Kon Knueppel (Hornets)
- Jeramiah Fears (Pelicans)
- Collin Murray-Boyles (Raptors)
- Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
- Derik Queen (Pelicans)
G League Team:
- Sean East II (Salt Lake City Stars)
- Alijah Martin (Raptors 905)
- Ron Harper Jr.
(Maine Celtics)
- Tristen Newton (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
- David Jones Garcia (Austin Spurs)
- Yang Hansen (Blazers)
- Yanic Konan Niederhauser (San Diego Clippers)
Yang Hansen’s Developmental Journey
Hansen’s inclusion on the G League team might surprise casual fans, especially given his modest NBA numbers-2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds over 8.3 minutes per game in 26 appearances. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see why he earned the nod.
With the G League’s Remix, Hansen has shown real flashes of potential. In five games, he’s averaging 16.2 points and 7.4 rebounds in just under 31 minutes per game. That’s a significant jump in production and a testament to how valuable those G League reps can be for a young big trying to find his rhythm in the pro game.
He’s raw, no doubt, but Hansen’s size, touch around the rim, and improving feel for the game have made him one of the more intriguing developmental pieces in Portland’s system. His Rising Stars selection is less about current production and more about projecting what he could become with time and opportunity.
Donovan Clingan’s Strong Sophomore Campaign
Meanwhile, Clingan’s selection to the Sophomore Team is well-earned. The 7-footer has been a steady presence in Portland’s frontcourt, averaging a double-double with 11.3 points and 10.9 rebounds over 42 games. He’s logging 27.4 minutes per night and anchoring the paint with a maturity that belies his age.
Clingan’s impact goes beyond the box score. He’s been a stabilizing force for a young Blazers team, providing rim protection, rebounding, and a reliable interior scoring option. In a season where Portland has leaned heavily on its youth, Clingan has emerged as one of the team’s most dependable pieces.
What This Means for the Blazers
For a franchise in transition, having two players featured in the Rising Stars game is a bright spot. It’s a sign that the developmental pipeline is starting to produce results. Clingan looks like a long-term piece, and Hansen, while still in the early stages of his journey, is showing signs he could be more than just a project.
The Rising Stars game won’t make or break a career, but it’s a valuable opportunity for young players to showcase their skills on a big stage, compete against elite peers, and gain confidence heading into the second half of the season. For Portland’s front office and fans alike, it’s a chance to see the future-and it’s starting to look a little more promising.