Jokic, the Chinese Way: Who is Hansen Yang, the Guy Being Compared to the Serbian?

Fast forward to today, and Nikola Jokic is widely recognized as one of the league's best, a true pioneer of the modern point-center. Talents like Alperen Sengun, Domantas Sabonis, and rookie Hansen Yang are following in his footsteps, all fitting a similar mold. While centers were traditionally known as defensive anchors, the point-center is no longer a rarity. Instead, they've become a unique and valuable asset.

No one predicted Hansen Yang would be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. In fact, few expected him to be drafted at all, even in the second round. However, the Portland Trail Blazers surprised everyone, trading with Memphis to select him 16th overall, banking on his immense potential.

Yang was in the stands; even he didn't see it coming. During the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, he played for the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese CBA. In his final season, he averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. He was the CBA Rookie of the Year in his first season and an All-Star in both 2024 and 2025.

But what truly put him on the map was social media. Clips from pre-draft workouts and scrimmages quickly went viral, as his playing style resembled none other than one of the league's best: Nikola Jokic.

His combination of size (7'1"), court vision, and passing ability immediately drew comparisons to the Serbian star. Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin described him as a truly unique talent.

In his Summer League debut last Friday, Yang showcased what he'd already hinted at during the Draft Combine and pre-draft workouts—an exceptional passer, rim protector, and highly coordinated player.

In his first game, he scored 10 points, with four rebounds, five assists, and three blocks against the Warriors, making plays characteristic of the Balkan big man. He didn't disappoint in his second game either: 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block.