Trail Blazers rookie rated only a D: Yang Hansen has yet to break into the rotation, and the team performs worse when Love is on the court.

On December 25th, 2025-26 NBA season’s most exciting highlight is undoubtedly the talented rookie class. Flagg is continuously breaking records set by LeBron James over 20 years ago. Several rookies have lifted the suddenly hot Pelicans, while the Hornets might be welcoming a new team leader surpassing LaMelo Ball.

Well-known US media outlet Bleacher Report believes it’s time to rate all teams’ rookie lineups after two months of the season. They evaluated rookies from all 30 teams (note: ratings are team-based, with all data and records up to December 23rd. The Rockets are the only team without any rookies in their lineup).

Chinese fans are most concerned about the Trail Blazers’ rookie rating, as Yang Hansen plays for this team. Bleacher Report gave the Blazers’ rookie squad a D, which is quite a poor grade, with the following detailed comments—

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Yang Hansen with the 16th pick in the 2025 draft, considered one of the biggest gambles of this draft class. It may be too early to judge whether this was a brilliant move or a mistake, but so far, the latter seems more likely.

Yang Hansen has consistently failed to secure a spot in the Blazers’ rotation and had a poor performance in his first career start against the Grizzlies. He played only 19 minutes, committing 5 fouls, 2 turnovers, and contributing just 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.

24-year-old Caleb Love has underperformed, with an overall shooting percentage of just 33.0% and a three-point shooting rate as low as 25.2%. When he is on the court, the team loses by 12.8 points per 100 possessions compared to when he is off the floor.

The highest rookie ratings go to the 76ers, Pelicans, and Mavericks, all earning an A grade.