Thu Oct 09 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **Portland’s Hansen Adapting to NBA Training Camp, Eyeing “Twin Towers” Lineup**

**Portland, OR -** Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Yang Hansen is navigating his first NBA training camp, showing promise while adjusting to the increased intensity and detail-oriented approach of the league. The No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, hailing from the CBA’s Qingdao Eagles, is already making an impression on teammates and coaches alike.

“Everything here is more focused on details,” Hansen said through his translator, Chris Liu, during a recent press conference, highlighting the differences between the NBA and the CBA.

Veteran forward Jerami Grant praised Hansen’s progress, noting his quick learning abilities despite the language barrier. “He’s figuring it out really fast,” Grant said. “He’s figuring out a lot of the plays, a lot of the movements. He doesn’t speak English, so it’s a little difficult, but he’s intuitive. He’s smart. He picks it up really fast.”

Hansen, a towering 7-foot-1 presence, is already thinking about his role in the team’s center rotation and is playfully lobbying for a “twin towers” lineup alongside presumed starter Donovan Clingan. “Maybe you can tell Chauncey [Billups],” Hansen said with a grin, “Go twin towers, two centers on the court.”

Head Coach Chauncey Billups acknowledges Hansen’s offensive prowess but emphasizes the need for improvement on the defensive end. “He’s about where I thought he would be,” Billups stated. “He’s got such great feel that offensively, he’ll be there. Defensively, he’s a little behind.”

Billups also noted the difference in pace between the NBA and the CBA. “The NBA is totally different,” Billups asserted. “The speed of the game is totally different. But he’s right where a rook should be at. I’m happy with where he’s at.”

Hansen’s summer league performance hinted at his potential, averaging 9.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 blocks across seven games. During the 2024-25 season with Qingdao, Hansen averaged 16.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks.

As Hansen continues to adapt, Blazers fans will be eagerly watching to see how he fits into the team’s plans and whether Coach Billups will consider the rookie’s “twin towers” proposal.

*(This article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.)*

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