Imagine you’re a young basketball dreamer from across the globe. You’ve trained your whole life, waited for your NBA moment, and expected a quiet second-round selection on draft night. But suddenly your name is called in the first round.
That’s exactly what happened to 20-year-old Chinese center Yang Hansen. The Memphis Grizzlies selected him with the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers.
It is a rise that stunned analysts, and now Hansen is capturing hearts again with wholesome questions.
What Will Yang Hansen Ask His Idol Nikola Jokić?
In a recent interview Hansen was asked what he would do when he would meet his idol Nikola Jokić. The rookie didn’t hesitate and replied with a smile.
“Picture? Signature, please?” said Hansen (with the help of a translator).
Yang Hansen was asked what questions he’ll ask his idol Nikola Jokic when he plays him this year.
His response?
“Picture? Signature, please?”
Guys, this kid is going to be great 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/UbIius6RYR
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) July 12, 2025
This isn’t the first time Hansen has expressed his admiration for the NBA’s best. In a previous interview, he named LeBron James, Jokić, Alperen Şengün, and Domantas Sabonis as his biggest inspirations.
“Everyone should have a dream. Passion and perseverance are key, and the efforts in daily training will ultimately pay off. I appreciate the encouragement and support from fans on social media, and I am focused on embracing a memorable journey ahead,” said Hansen.
How Does Hansen Compare to His Idol Jokić?
While Hansen looks up to the three-time MVP, he also becomes a threat on the hardwood.
Dubbed as the “Chinese Jokić,” the 7-foot-1 center made serious noise during the 2024-25 CBA season. He averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 58.6% from the field.
His size and polished footwork in the post draw direct comparisons to Jokić himself. While his defensive mobility and physicality still need refining to fully adapt to the NBA’s speed and power, Hansen’s upside is undeniable.
Jokić, who remains an offensive power with a 32.0 PER in the 2024-25 season, will undoubtedly test Hansen’s adaptability. But with the right matchups, particularly exploiting Jokić’s slower lateral quickness in pick-and-roll situations, the young rookie just might surprise everyone.
Hansen also showed flashes of brilliance in his NBA Summer League debut against the Golden State Warriors. He posted 10 points, four rebounds, and five assists in 24 minutes of action.
The Yang Hansen show premiered in Las Vegas tonight!
🏀 10 PTS
🏀 4 REB
🏀 5 AST
🏀 3 BLKA walking highlight reel in his Trail Blazers summer debut. pic.twitter.com/HQQVqrJVbc
— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2025
As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on that Trail Blazers-Denver Nuggets matchup. Not just to see if Hansen gets that photo and autograph, but also to see how the rookie performs against his idol.
