Yang Hansen attracted more viewers to the Summer League than Cooper Flagg. His first appearances in Las Vegas were promising, but he doesn’t want to hear any comparisons with Yao Ming.
1.1 million Americans watched Cooper Flagg’s debut for the Dallas Mavericks, which was a good average by historical standards. But the Blazers’ first game against Memphis attracted 5.2 million Chinese viewers, all of whom didn’t want to miss Yang Hansen’s debut.
And that’s not all: numerous Chinese fans made the pilgrimage to Las Vegas to see their new star play live. A TV crew followed the big man’s every move to shoot a ten-part documentary about the 20-year-old’s summer. There haven’t been that many first-round picks from China in the past.
He doesn’t want to hear any comparisons with Yao Ming
To be more precise: there is, of course, Hall of Famer Yao Ming, who was picked first by Houston in 2002, but also Yi Jianlian (2007). The latter only lasted four years in the league and is now better known for once completing a draft workout against a chair.
Comparisons with Yao are quick to surface, but Yang wants nothing to do with them. “Yao is number one in paradise. I’m just a rookie and nothing but cold ashes compared to him.” At least there has been some contact, according to the rookie, who says Yao gave him a few tips to get him started.
Promising start
His first attempts in Las Vegas were promising, at least. In four games, Hansen averaged 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists, showing flashes of why he earned the nickname “Chinese Jokic.” Hansen has good ball handling skills, recognizes situations quickly, and has good footwork for complicated moves.
Will it be enough for the NBA in the long run? Only time will tell, but the first signs indicate that the Blazers’ choice was not just a marketing gimmick.
