The Portland Trail Blazers shocked everyone when they chose China’s center Yang Hansen in the 2025 draft.
He’s an unproven prospect, but Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncy Billup is confident that he can maximize Yang despite the language barrier.
It was amazing to see Jan Hansen go early in the 2025 NBA Draft. Expectations were a delayed choice in the first round or an early pick in the second round. That wasn’t the case as the Portland Trail Blazers got a reach and a man.
Blazers GM Joe Cronin and renowned draft guru and assistant GM Mike Schmitz made the pick a reality. It was a long-term project as Schmitz went to China just to scout Yang. He joins a group of stacked centers, including Donovan Klingan, DeAndre Ayton and Robert Williams III.
Some people are concerned about language barriers with Yang. The Blazers are fine as Yang is studying and knows it will become natural in the courts.
The first hurdle Yang must overcome is the language barrier. He is not fluent in English yet, but he knows how to speak and understand some words. During his introduction, he had a hilarious moment when he said he loved sleeping and playing games on his PS5.
Billups adapts to referring translators when coaching, but that’s not a long-term issue. Most NBA players adapt well to the language and have tutors with the help of their team. It’s another challenge for Billups as he continues to help build teams with the latest expansions.
“It would be a bit of a unique coaching through the translator, and I don’t expect it to happen for too long.
“He’s really determined to understand the language. Obviously you can see him trying. He’s already doing a good job answering questions,” Billups said in the presser.
“The language of basketball is a bit universal. They probably sound very fast to him. But we’re going to spend a lot of time on it. There are some adjustments that need to be naturally adjusted with film sessions, dense and of its nature.”
“I’m looking forward to it because of the challenge. It will certainly be a little unique… I’ll try to do everything I can. I already know “ni hao”, I know it. ”
Blazers’ center Logjam may be worried, but Ayton and Williams are in the final year of their contract. That means Portland can promise to have Klingan and Yang as a central rotation in the future.
Billup was candid about not playing together. This means that Klingan and Yang will spin later. They would probably trade both Ayton and Williams, as they want to maximize those contracts by getting good value.
When that happens, the Blazers commit to Klingan and Yang along with the young Core. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are promising security guards, while Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija are fantastic wings.
Billups helps to encourage these young players to continue working. His presence could help the team move further and showcase their promises at the competitive Western Conference. Jan may not be able to match his comparisons with Nicola Djokic, but he is skilled enough to stay in the NBA.