Blazers Rookie Yang Hansen Earns Superstar Praise from Jrue Holiday

Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Yang Hansen has quickly gained significant attention and praise, with veteran guard Jrue Holiday calling him a "superstar" following his impressive Summer League performance. Hansen, the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has drawn historic media coverage, especially in China, where millions watched his games, surpassing some NBA playoff viewership. Standing 7'1", Hansen showcases a unique combination of size, mobility, court vision, and playmaking ability, earning comparisons to Nikola Jokić and receiving strong endorsements from teammates and media. Despite being considered a second-round prospect initially, Hansen's early play has exceeded expectations, and he is noted for his lighthearted personality reminiscent of Shaquille O’Neal, which has endeared him to fans and media alike. The Trail Blazers, having also reacquired Damian Lillard and added Holiday in a trade, see Hansen as a key piece in their roster reshaping efforts after missing the playoffs in 2024–25. Holiday’s praise underscores the franchise’s optimism about Hansen’s potential impact as they head into the new season.