Rookie of the Year odds: Yang Hansen is ranked 8th and is gaining more favor, facing a huge challenge in the first 20 regular season games.

On August 22nd Beijing time, the updated odds for the new season’s Rookie of the Year were released,with Yang Hansen’s odds moving from +4000 after the Summer League to +3300 at present, reflecting greater optimism about him.Currently, Hansen ranks 8th in the odds, with the seven rookies ahead of him being Flag (-200), Harper (+700), Trey Johnson (+750), Ace Bailey (+750), Eichkum (+900), Fears (+2500), and Knuppel (+2500).

As a first-round pick at number 16, Yang Hansen’s selection surprised most people since most draft experts considered him a second-round prospect. However, after the Summer League, Hansen impressed many, and judging by the Rookie of the Year odds, he now ranks 8th, exceeding expectations based on his draft position.

Over the past month, several Trail Blazers personnel have indicated that Hansen is expected to be the team’s primary backup center early in the season, averaging at least 15 minutes per game. At this stage, 15 minutes seems reasonable, allowing him to showcase his skills while still fresh.

However, according to the schedule, Hansen’s team, the Trail Blazers, will face significant challenges right from the start of the new season, especially in their first 20 games.

They will begin the season on October 23rd against the Timberwolves, who reached the Western Conference Finals last season. Following that, they will face the Warriors, Clippers, and Lakers consecutively, then meet the Jazz in their fifth game—the first opponent with a poor record last season. The schedule shows that out of the Trail Blazers’ first 20 games, 15 opponents made the playoffs last season. During this span, they will also play the defending champions Thunder three times.

Portland media has remarked that a tough start might force the Trail Blazers to struggle to climb out of trouble throughout the season, but there is also hope the team can deliver some surprises.