In a thrilling turn of events, Chinese basketball sensation Yang Hansen made his debut NBA start, marking a significant milestone in his career. But was it a triumphant entry or a baptism of fire?
The 7-foot-1 rookie, drafted 16th overall by the Trail Blazers, finally got his chance to shine when both primary centers, Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III, were unexpectedly absent. However, the circumstances of his first start were challenging, to say the least.
The game, held on December 7, 2025, saw the Memphis Grizzlies take an early lead and ultimately dominate the Trail Blazers with a final score of 119-96. Hansen, who had been averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game, managed to score four points and grab five rebounds in just under 20 minutes of play. His highlight was a powerful spin move and dunk over the towering 7-foot-3 Zach Edey in the third quarter.
But here's where it gets controversial: Interim coach Tiago Splitter had some mixed feedback for Hansen's performance. While acknowledging the rookie's improvement over the course of the game, Splitter also pointed out that Hansen's start was not ideal. This raises the question: Was Hansen's performance truly impressive, or was it overshadowed by the circumstances and the team's loss?
The game took a turn when Hansen took a hard hit in the third quarter, causing him to fall under the Portland basket. The play continued, resulting in a dunk by Edey on the other end. Splitter's reaction was immediate and passionate, rushing to half-court to argue with officials about the lack of attention to his injured player, which earned him a technical foul.
And this is the part most people miss: Hansen's journey to the NBA is just as intriguing as his first start. Originally drafted by the Grizzlies, he was traded on draft night and spent his previous two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in China's professional league, where he averaged an impressive 16.2 points and 10 rebounds in his final season.
So, was Hansen's first NBA start a success or a learning experience? Did the circumstances do him a favor or set him up for criticism? The debate is open, and we want to hear your thoughts! What do you think about Hansen's performance and the team's response?
