Over four summer league games, Yang Hanshen, the 16th overall pick and China’s NBA first-round rookie this year, averaged 24 minutes per game and delivered solid numbers: 10.8 points, 5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks per contest. At first glance, these stats might seem ordinary for a 216 cm center, especially considering the summer league opponents consist mainly of fellow rookies and players fighting for contracts. However, a closer analysis of Yang’s performances reveals his true value and the tactical role he is poised to play for the Portland Trail Blazers in the future.
These four games thoroughly showcased both Yang’s strengths and areas needing improvement. His advantages are rare even among NBA big men and hard to cultivate through training, while his shortcomings appear addressable with focused effort. Therefore, the media’s initial C- draft grade for Yang could be significantly raised—personally, a B rating feels more appropriate.
Starting with his weaknesses:
1. Physical Endurance
The most obvious issue visible to any observer is Yang’s conditioning. The summer league demands a relentless, fast-paced style of play, and Yang occasionally struggles to keep up with the tempo. This is largely due to his current strength and stamina levels. Many American college big men may lack refined skills but compensate with impressive explosiveness and endurance, appearing in the paint seconds after a block to complete alley-oops. That said, few regular or playoff games maintain such breakneck transition pace. Even a seasoned player like Damian Lillard might struggle to sustain it. Therefore, Yang’s endurance can improve through rigorous training. In the regular season, the pace will slow somewhat, but the pressure and intensity will significantly increase.
2. Physicality in Matchups
While not a major disadvantage during summer league—given Yang’s two years of professional experience against mostly college players—he will face far tougher physical challenges in regular and postseason games. Opponents will be stronger, more experienced, and less likely to be easily overpowered. Unlike in summer league, he won’t be able to rely on speed and footwork alone against rookies; physical strength and toughness will become essential for success.
3. Finishing at the Rim
In the NBA, dunks are often prioritized over layups—an important survival skill in the league. Unlike the CBA, where players might avoid flashy dunks, NBA big men must create space to slam the ball home and reduce the chance of blocked shots. Developing a reliable finishing style that favors dunks will help Yang increase his scoring efficiency consistently.
Turning to his strengths:
1. Playmaking and Court Vision
Damian Lillard’s success is not solely due to scoring or size but his exceptional basketball IQ and ability to break defenses with precise passing. Such playmaking ability is incredibly rare among NBA big men. Yang’s court vision and passing instincts appear to be innate talents, difficult to teach. Although passing lanes may tighten in regular season, stronger teammates will better capitalize on his passes, reducing turnovers. This fearless distribution is a key asset Yang brings to the Trail Blazers.
2. Soft Touch and Shooting Technique
Yang’s offensive threat is amplified by his smooth shooting touch, especially on open looks. NBA centers often doubt the shooting ability of newcomers, allowing him more freedom to shoot confidently. His technique—whether a soft float off a big stride or a spinning hook shot—is exceptional among power-oriented big men and adds a versatile scoring option.
3. Personality and Team Integration
Though Yang may not possess the towering basketball intellect of a Yao Ming, his outgoing and cheerful personality arguably helps him integrate more smoothly than predecessors like Yi Jianlian and Zhou Qi. Such a mindset facilitates better team chemistry and adaptability, crucial for a young player adjusting to the NBA environment.
After completing these four games, Yang has a clear understanding of his development priorities. In interviews, he expressed a desire to gain weight and improve his physicality. While some worry that increased bulk might raise injury risk, given Yang’s body proportions, a controlled weight gain focusing on muscle mass is arguably the best path to strengthening his on-court presence and resilience.
Looking at Portland’s roster, Yang possesses qualities few teammates have, and others’ strengths are within his reach with dedicated training. For this young talent, the hope remains strong that he will establish himself firmly in the NBA and carve out a meaningful career.
