Yang Hansen’s Jokic Admiration, Rising Stars Moment Signal Big Personality and Bigger Potential
Yang Hansen may still be finding his footing in the NBA, but he’s already making waves-with both his play and his personality.
The 20-year-old Portland Trail Blazers rookie, originally drafted 16th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025, has appeared in 34 games this season, averaging 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds. Modest numbers, sure. But Hansen’s journey is just beginning, and if his recent stretch is any indication, this 7-foot-3 center isn’t going to stay quiet for long-on or off the court.
His most recent headline-grabber? A candid and hilarious comment about his basketball idol, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. Speaking to reporters, Hansen didn’t hold back: “I can’t wait to kiss him.”
Yes, you read that right.
The quote instantly lit up social media and NBA circles-not just for its humor, but for what it revealed about Hansen’s reverence for Jokic. It’s no secret that Jokic has fans across the league, but Hansen’s unfiltered admiration stood out. There’s something refreshingly honest about a young player who’s not afraid to show that kind of love for one of the game’s greats.
Jokic, for his part, recently responded to Hansen’s earlier request for a photo together, and now fans are watching closely to see how the two-time MVP reacts to this latest outpouring of affection. It’s a rare moment of levity and connection between generations in the NBA-one that speaks to Jokic’s global influence and Hansen’s big, bold personality.
But Hansen isn’t just about soundbites. He’s also showing signs of serious on-court growth.
During the NBA Rising Stars game on Friday night, Hansen found himself in an unusual spot-going head-to-head with his Blazers frontcourt teammate, Donovan Clingan. Usually side-by-side in Portland’s rotation, the two young bigs squared off in a friendly but competitive matchup that stole the spotlight.
Hansen’s standout moment came when he used a slick pump fake and shoulder shimmy to freeze Clingan before gliding past him for an easy bucket. It was a savvy move-one that showed off both his footwork and his feel for the game.
Hansen finished the contest with 10 points, a rebound, and went 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. Clingan, meanwhile, grabbed three boards but couldn’t stop his teammate’s highlight play.
Team Melo walked away with a 65-60 win, thanks to a clutch game-winner from Dylan Harpen over his brother, Ron Harper Jr. But the buzz afterward wasn’t just about the final score-it was about the Blazers’ young bigs going toe-to-toe and flashing serious potential.
For Portland fans, that internal competition is a good problem to have. Hansen and Clingan are both raw, but their size, skill sets, and willingness to battle-even against each other-point to a promising future in the frontcourt.
And while Hansen’s stats may not jump off the page just yet, his personality certainly does. Between his Jokic fandom and his Rising Stars performance, he’s becoming one of the more intriguing young players to watch-not just because of what he’s doing, but because of how he’s doing it.
In a league where confidence and charisma can be just as important as wingspan and vertical leap, Yang Hansen is already showing he has both.