Yang Hansen, the Trail Blazers center, is embracing the pressure from his home country of China to make a greater impact in the NBA during his second season. While American fans are generally more encouraging, Chinese fans are tougher on him, pushing him to play better and prove his worth. This pressure, he believes, is a good thing and a natural part of being a professional athlete.
Hansen's performance last season was a work in progress. He appeared in 43 games, averaging just 7.0 minutes, 2.2 points, and 1.5 rebounds. His field goal percentage was a modest 31%. However, during the Summer League, he showed significant growth, posting impressive averages of 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 24.0 minutes. His improved physical condition, having dropped weight and gotten into better shape, has made him feel faster and stronger, enhancing his pick-and-roll defense and rebounding.
The pressure from his home country is not something Hansen takes lightly. He reads the critical comments on social media, understanding that they stem from a place of wanting him to succeed. He sees these comments as a motivator, a way to push himself to be better on the court. Despite the tough love, he remains focused on his goals and is eager to prove his critics wrong.
Hansen's outlook on the pressure is positive, stating that everyone has pressure, and it's not a bad thing. He's also optimistic about the new head coach, Micah Nori, who wants to play a team game and emphasizes focusing on the details during practices. This aligns with Hansen's own approach to the game.
Looking ahead, Hansen is excited to play with Damian Lillard, who was recovering from an Achilles tendon tear last season. He believes it will be easy to play with Lillard, who is a very good shooter. Hansen's primary role will be to set good screens for Lillard, utilizing his improved physical condition and basketball IQ.
Finally, Hansen hopes to stay with the NBA club full-time this season, avoiding the back-and-forth between the Blazers and G League Remix. He's aware of the challenges of the long flights and early airport arrivals, but he's determined to make the most of his time with the team. Overall, Hansen's attitude towards pressure and his growth as a player make him a player to watch this season.
