Trail Blazers Training Camp Preview: Yang Hansheng Must Prepare for New Role — Who Will Be the Final Starter?

On August 24th Beijing time, Blazer's Edge previewed the training camp starting in one month, mentioning Chinese player Yang Hansheng —

The Portland Trail Blazers look to have some competitiveness this upcoming season but are nowhere near title contenders. After five difficult years, their progress is undeniably positive. The team hopes to catch the scent of the NBA playoffs again through the play-in tournament this season. Yet, this will be challenging, as the Western Conference remains packed with strong teams.

Training camp will open on September 30th, marking the official start of team chemistry building. New faces like Ju Holiday, Yang Hansheng, and Blake Wesley will need to adapt to the team's environment.

How ready is Yang Hansheng?

Although he performed well in the Summer League, when it comes to true NBA-level competition, this Trail Blazers first-round pick still has some uncertainties. On paper, the Chinese big man shows a range of intriguing skills, but we have yet to see these translate into real game impact. Training camp will be his first real chance to compete alongside NBA-caliber players, which should reveal his level.

He may not be as unfamiliar as other rookies, but if he wants to become Klingenberg’s primary backup, he must quickly adjust to the league’s intensity and his role.

Who will claim the final starting spot?

Holiday, Kamara, Avdija, and Klingenberg are likely locked into starting roles. The last spot will be contested by Jerami Grant, Sydnee Sharp, and Henderson, with training camp providing the best opportunity for these three to prove themselves.

Choosing Grant would signal the Blazers’ commitment to defense while hoping he regains his offensive form. This would shift more playmaking duties to Holiday and Avdija, though whether this is wise remains to be seen.

Theoretically, starting Henderson would bring more creativity to the Blazers but less experience. Sharp would boost offensive firepower, assuming he has addressed his defensive issues.

Have Henderson and Sharp improved?

We won’t know the impact of this backcourt duo until the season starts, but training camp should give the coaching staff insight into their summer progress. This season is crucial for Sharp because unless he secures an extension during this offseason, given the restricted free agent market we’ve seen this year, he will face uncertainty next summer. He needs to prove he can hit outside shots, play above-average defense, and maintain acceptable effort levels.

For Henderson, the challenges lie in decision-making, finishing at the rim, and ball security. More importantly, he must convince everyone he can become special.

Is Klingenberg ready to start?

To be the Blazers’ answer at starting center, Klingenberg must demonstrate he can play close to 30 minutes per night. Last season, as a rookie, he averaged 19.8 minutes. In games where he played over 20 minutes, the young center appeared to tire late in the game.

The Blazers need a starting center who impacts the game on the floor rather than sitting frequently on the bench. His defensive skills are unquestioned, but he also needs to contribute offensively.

Is Robert Williams healthy?

He may not get much playing time early on, but the Blazers need this big man to prove his body can withstand the demands, as leg injuries have plagued his two seasons with the team. Klingenberg and Yang Hansheng seem destined to receive the majority of minutes at the five spot, but Williams’ health will be crucial if the Blazers consider trading him before his contract expires in 11 months. When healthy, RoWi can be one of the most impactful big men in the league.

Overall, this season the Blazers appear ready to transition from a bottom-tier team to a relatively competitive one. This shift begins with training camp, as the team aims to start the new season with a positive mindset.