Hansen Yang of the Portland Trail Blazers hasn’t played his first regular-season NBA game, but he has high hopes for what’s ahead.
He is excited to play in the league, but also elated to meet some of his idols, including Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
According to Hoop Central, Yang has just one question that he will ask Jokic when they finally meet on the court.
“Picture? Signature, please?” Yang said.
Hansen Yang on what questions he’ll ask his idol Nikola Jokic when he plays him —
“Picture? Signature, please?”
🤣🤣🤣. (via @BrennaGreene_) pic.twitter.com/qciKVuINjO
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 13, 2025
Yang was chosen as the 16th pick in the 2025 draft, and the Blazers are hoping he can provide big-man help in the frontcourt.
Hailing from China, the 7-foot-1 center could be exactly what Portland needs as it attempts to climb back into playoff contention in the years ahead.
He is just the ninth Chinese player to ever be drafted in the NBA and spent years performing in the Chinese Basketball Association.
So far, he has shown some great promise in the Summer League.
He posted 10 points, five assists, four rebounds, and three blocks in a recent game against the Golden State Warriors on July 11.
Following that, he did it again with a strong showing versus the Memphis Grizzlies
Is this the start of something special for Yang?
When he was selected by the Blazers, some fans questioned the choice and didn’t see the upside to him coming to Portland.
Yang will soon be playing against some of the people he grew up idolizing, such as Jokic.
As much as he will want his autograph, Yang will also want to prove himself to the Nuggets legend and defeat him.
After a few great showings in the Summer League, Yang is showing that his rookie season might be a remarkable and memorable one.
NEXT: Details Emerge About Why Blazers Bought Out Deandre Ayton
