After signing Branden Carlson to open free agency, the Trail Blazers just doubled down on improving their frontcourt depth by claiming Micah Potter off waivers. Potter, who spent 2025-26 with the Indiana Pacers, should stake a claim at rotation minutes for Portland next season.
Adding two new backup bigs who can stretch the floor is awesome for the team, but it’s not so great for Yang Hansen, their 2025 first-round pick. By bolstering their center room, the Blazers told Hansen he’s going to have to earn every minute he plays moving forward.
Yang Hansen is on the outside looking in on Portland’s deep frontcourt
The Blazers already had a strong center tandem in place with Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III, the latter of whom they re-signed in free agency. Now, they have two more combo bigs who can offer real value in the regular season and maybe even the postseason.
Carlson, a 27-year-old entering his third NBA campaign, has played spot minutes for the Thunder in meaningful contests. The OKC stamp of approval is one that has to be respected.
As for Potter, he’s coming off a breakout year for the Pacers. In 47 games for the club, the Wisconsin product averaged 9.7 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 42.3% from beyond the arc. He’s one of the league’s best pure shooters at his size. Surprising, but true.
Hansen has a lot to prove to earn a rotation spot
Both of the newest Blazers will no doubt be looking for some sort of consistent role in 2026-27, as will Yang Hansen. But the young Hansen is in a tough spot because he’s significantly behind Carlson and Potter in terms of playability on a competitive team right now.
Potter and Carlson are ready to impact winning immediately in the short term. They have defined roles (stretch bigs, secondary rim protectors) and veteran polish. Hansen doesn’t have those things. At this point in time, he lacks a clear NBA skill to hang his hat on. That doesn’t leave Portland with much reason to play him, given they’re trying to compete.
The Blazers aren’t tanking anymore. They’re firmly in the playoff picture with a steady upward trajectory. Carlson and Potter fit the timeline. Hansen doesn’t. The sophomore will have to work hard to prove himself, or he’s going to fall too far behind.
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