US media: Yang Hanssen faces a harsh reality, risking a wasted rookie season

On January 6th Beijing time, US media Dukest analyzed Yang Hanssen's current situation. The following is the related content —

Rewinding back to the preseason, some believed Yang Hanssen was a genuine contender for the best rookie, while others thought he needed more time to adjust to the intense physicality of American basketball. Yet at that time, nearly everyone agreed: Yang Hanssen’s potential for growth was truly limitless.

This optimistic outlook was further strengthened by his inclusion among the league’s “potential stars” — players whose raw talent excites NBA management and encourages them to invest patience and hope.

Two months into the regular season, theoretically, the initial expectations for him still hold true, butthe optimistic view that he could quickly realize his talent in his rookie year has, at least so far, been sharply challenged by reality.

Coach Split has been extremely cautious with Yang Hanssen’s playing time, not only strictly limiting his minutes but also reducing his role in the Trail Blazers’ offensive system. Transitioning from the CBA to the NBA, he faces a clear gap in game pace and athleticism, prompting the team to adopt a conservative usage strategy. We can interpret this tactical decision from two perspectives and also outline a feasible path for this young big man to develop in Portland without having to leave.

Team’s goals this season

After two seasons focused on nurturing rookies and solidifying the future foundation, the Trail Blazers are now testing Avdija and Saben Sharp’s leadership abilities while awaiting Henderson’s return from injury.

Currently ranked 9th in the Western Conference with a balanced record, and having signed the also-injured Lillard during the offseason, the Trail Blazers have dual motivation to raise their season goals — the former a pragmatic consideration, the latter an emotional factor tied to team spirit. This, however, has further reduced the opportunities for rookies to gain experience.

Crowded frontcourt roster

Klingen’s consistent output, combined with Robert Williams’ limited availability due to injuries, already occupy much of the center position’s space. Meanwhile, the solid performance of the frontcourt duo Grant and Kamara means Coach Split has only experimented with a twin-tower lineup featuring Hanssen and Robert Williams together during Grant’s injury absence.

Potential turning point: Robert Williams trade

If the team remains committed to developing Klingen, the Trail Blazers could use the now-healthy Robert Williams as a trade asset and initiate talks before the February trade deadline, placing Yang Hanssen’s future at a challenging crossroads.

First possibility: Even if someone leaves the frontcourt, he will still have to compete for playing time — as the team is likely to bring in a player with a similar style and skill set to fill the vacancy.

Second possibility:He risks wasting his entire rookie seasonIt’s important to remember that the rookie year is a critical growth period for many players. If the team waits until the season ends and lets Robert Williams leave Portland as a free agent, they will gain nothing in return, and Yang Hanssen will miss out on this valuable development phase.