Yang Hansen just keeps giving Blazers fans reasons to love him

From the moment Yang Hansen was finishing up his fried chicken in the stands before his surprising No. 16 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, it was clear that the Portland Trail Blazers were adding character to their roster.

Hansen was a relatively unknown prospect as he was not only international but also projected to be a second-round selection. Many Blazers fans didn't even consider the possibility that he would wind up on their team, as the No. 11 overall pick was Portland's only selection throughout the entire draft.

But this offseason has allowed Blazers fans to get to know Hansen as both a player and a person, and it's hard to pick which one to be more excited about.

Yang Hansen is a gem on and off the court

Hansen still needs time to adjust to the speed of the NBA game, but he's already right where he's supposed to be as a rookie at training camp. Head coach Chauncey Billups and Hansen's new teammates have all consistently praised his basketball IQ, overall feel for the game, and passing ability for a center. The season hasn't even started, but it already looks like Portland's front office has found a hidden gem.

Off the court, Hansen is arguably even more of a treasure. Hansen's name means "vast forest" in Chinese, which makes him believe his newfound connection to the lush green city of Portland is fate.

"I know this city is rainy, and the scenery here is really nice," Yang said in an interview with OPB. "Honestly, I felt a kind of magic when I came here. When I was on the way back here, driving in, I saw so many beautiful sights."

Yang also addressed his love for Portland in a recent article in The Players' Tribune.

"I am working hard every day. I am trying to contribute what I can to those around me as I go, and I am putting in all the effort I can to be able to go out there and make everyone in Portland and China proud. I am so grateful and fortunate to be able to make Portland my new home. It is such a beautiful place. I love that it is quiet and calm, and the air it is so … fresh!"

While Hansen has this sincere and grateful side, we could also make an entirely new site solely dedicated to his hilarious personality.

His favorite American song is "What the Helly" and his hobbies include sleeping, playing PlayStation, and eating. That should already tell you all you need to know about the kind of character Portland added this summer.

To a certain extent, the comparisons to superstar Nikola Jokic are valid both on and off the court. Hansen was recently asked who was the most athletic guy at Blazers training camp, and responded: "Great question.. everyone except me."

Can't you just picture Jokic having the same response?

In his own way, Hansen is already a superstar like Jokic. Hansen is playing a massive role in Portland -- a relatively small market by NBA standards -- becoming a more globally recognized city. He recently told Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive: "People in China will care about Portland in a way they never have."

Portland's summer league game against the Memphis Grizzlies drew 5.2 million viewers in China on Tencent's free broadcast. He hasn't even played a meaningful game in the NBA yet! At just 20 years old, the Yang train hasn't even left the station.

With his unselfish play on the court and his humble yet hilarious personality off it, Hansen will be an easy rookie to root for. Blazers fans couldn't be happier that he's in Portland, and it sounds like he feels the same way.