Yang Hansen’s NBA preseason debut ended with him fouling out after 6 fouls! The expected struggle was real; he got schooled!

On the first day back from the long break, there was a great game:

Yang Hansen’s NBA preseason debut, facing the favored Golden State Warriors.

As an important preparation before the new season starts, both teams sent out their starters.

Fans need to realize that the NBA preseason pace is very similar to the regular season, particularly in games against the Warriors.

Additionally, the coach’s rotation decisions and player usage during the preseason can roughly reveal each player’s role for the upcoming season.

Therefore, the preseason is very important for young Yang.

In his first NBA preseason game, he played 21 minutes and 13 seconds, shooting 2 of 5 for 4 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing 1 assist, committing 2 turnovers, and fouling out with 6 fouls.

Judging by his playing time, Lue was quite considerate.

If I had to sum it up in one sentence, it would be:An expected struggle.

Why was it predictable?

The preseason and summer league are two different things.

During Yang Hansen’s first four summer league games with the Trail Blazers, he averaged 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. Since he was a key prospect as the 16th pick, the Blazers’ coaches gave him plenty of offensive opportunities, including ball handling at the high post.

In that league, he was the core, leading a group on the court.

However, the preseason is a completely different story; here, he is a rookie.

The difference in role is one thing, but the most crucial factor is the pace.

One visible fact today: Yang Hansen couldn’t keep up.

Comparing the same position, you might wonder: how can 39-year-old Al Horford be so quick and so agile...

“Adaptation” is definitely a major challenge for Yang Hansen.

Although he showed excellent playmaking, footwork, and basketball IQ on offense, and rim protection on defense in previous games, the NBA’s transition speed is clearly faster than the CBA’s, which posed significant challenges in stamina, mobility, and tactical understanding early on.

What we saw was: he got schooled by Horford and Draymond Green, couldn’t post up effectively, got beaten on defense, committed multiple fouls fighting for rebounds—truly a “welcome to the NBA” moment!

The first preseason game must have been tough for him. Who was he up against?

Two NBA veterans: Draymond Green and Al Horford.

These are seasoned champions who regularly guard stars like Embiid and LeBron... It’s normal for rookie Yang Hansen to get taught a lesson.

Through this match, everyone could clearly see the pace difference between the NBA and the CBA.

There was a possession where Butler and Curry launched a fast break and the Warriors scored, while Yang Hansen was just starting to move...

They were probably moving at 1.5 times our speed...

Not just basketball skills, even sprinting back and forth requires huge improvement.

About role definition.

It’s understandable that Chinese fans naturally want Hansen to get more ball possession and not just run back and forth. Predictably, some Blazers players will be criticized by Chinese fans as “ball hogs” in the new season.

But it’s also important to be rational: he’s not Jokic, not Sengun, not Sabonis.

In other words, this isn’t Qingdao or the CBA; at this stage, the team won’t revolve around him.

From today’s game, we can also glimpse that the new season’s Blazers will play fast, take many outside shots, and emphasize transition offense.

In this environment, what Yang Hansen needs to do is: focus on the fundamentals first.

For example:

1. Securing rebounds.

2. Quality screens.

3. Defending opponents’ three-pointers.

4. Faster defensive transitions.

5. Hitting open three-point shots.

As a rookie, only by doing the small things well can he earn more trust. Otherwise, why would teammates give him the ball in the NBA environment?

It’s a harsh reality...

Finally, let’s talk about competition at his position.

The Blazers’ starting center is Klingenberg.

Next in the rotation is Yang Hansen, followed by his old Qingdao teammate Reese.

It must be said, when Reese came on, he helped the Blazers build a lead and was the best-performing center on the team. Don’t expect him to bring his talent back to Qingdao...

Also, the Blazers have injured center Lowry, who is another competitor for Yang Hansen.

The good news is he will be guaranteed some playing time.

As fans, we need to be more patient and objective about everything that happened today.

Adaptation takes time and growth through competition. The first 10 regular-season games will be critical for Yang Hansen. He should cherish this opportunity.

Don’t forget, Yao Ming’s NBA debut was 0 points and 2 rebounds, and he struggled too...