Explosive! A huge block by the NBA first-round pick! The Trail Blazers coach criticizes Yang Hansen.

He blocked the 2017 first-round sixth pick Isaac off the backboard.

With daring and precise passing, he set up Love for a successful layup.

Despite being DNP for five straight games and playing only about eight minutes, Yang Hansen was highly efficient, shooting 1-for-1 from the field and 2-for-2 from the line, tallying 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, and 3 fouls, filling the stat sheet.The Trail Blazers fell short, losing 106-110 to the Magic.

After the game, Trail Blazers interim coach Sprewell praised Yang Hansen’s offensive performance but criticized several defensive mistakes he made...

Fans were not very convinced and angrily typed out responses like these:

It’s actually normal for rookies to be criticized, and in some ways, it’s a good thing. When the coaching staff demands more, it shows they have expectations. The worst is being ignored or only praised superficially but never played.

For example, Lin Wei, currently playing in the NCAA, is scolded daily by Oregon’s head coach like a son, criticized for poor shot selection and defensive lapses, yet he gets real playing time and has basically secured a main rotation spot.

In the recent game where Oregon lost 82-91 to Gonzaga, Lin Wei played 16 minutes, shooting 3-for-4 for 9 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists, setting a new NCAA career high in points (previously 8).

In short, as long as Sprewell is willing to give Yang Hansen opportunities, any criticism is acceptable unless it involves personal attacks or family matters. Constructive criticism is guidance. Chinese players, especially those trained in youth programs, have strong mental resilience to criticism, having faced plenty of tough words in the CBA before.

So far this season, Yang Hansen has appeared in 14 games with 1 start, averaging 7.7 minutes, 2.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.4 blocks per game. The Trail Blazers currently hold a 12-18 record, ranking tenth in the Western Conference, just 0.5 games ahead of the 11th-place Mavericks, facing the risk of missing the play-in tournament.

Recently, the Mavericks, led by the top pick Flagg (averaging 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals), have surged with 6 wins in their last 10 games, reigniting hopes for the playoffs. The management might reconsider their rebuilding strategy accordingly.