Hansen Young Likely to Play 10-15 Minutes Per Game in the NBA Regular Season

American media outlet Sports Illustrated addressed the Trail Blazers’ selection of Hansen Young with the 16th pick, offering further analysis and commentary. Specifically, considering the Trail Blazers’ roster for the upcoming season, they believe Hansen Young can provide the Blazers with bench firepower and could potentially become a core player off the bench by the start of the NBA regular season.

With Deandre Ayton now in Los Angeles and Robert Williams rarely healthy, Clingen has become the undisputed starting center. What does this possibility mean for Hansen Young?

While Hansen Young isn’t as good as Clingen on defense, he’s a skilled offensive player. As shown in the highlights, his game bears some resemblance to Nikola Jokic: an exceptional passer with incredible game feel and finishing touch around the rim. He won’t excel in any athletic tests—but so far, Hansen Young’s basketball IQ has impressed countless people in “Tear City.”

Henson Yang will likely see 10-15 minutes per night, his sole purpose being to provide scoring off the bench for the Trail Blazers. This team’s depth is far greater than the average basketball fan imagines. If Henderson and Sharpe can continue their development, this team could certainly contend for a playoff spot.

Since the center position behind Clingan is practically a lock for Yang, he’s likely to become a key member of the bench from the start of the season. If his summer performance is any guide, his on-court performance will undoubtedly be a fascinating one to watch.

In four Summer League games, Yang averaged 10.8 points, 5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks.

Although his individual stats weren’t as explosive as expected, the Trail Blazers’ management’s observations revealed that Yang was being assigned different roles, including high-post distribution and interior attacking. His three-point shooting, not a common offensive weapon in the CBA, also produced impressive results.

With a core focus on playmaking, he averaged 3.8 assists per game (5.5 per 36 minutes), earning praise for his passing vision and tactical prowess as the “Chinese Jokic.”

Trail Blazers Vice President Smits actively boasted about Hansen Yang’s performance to draft experts, saying it “proves the first-round bet on him was a win.”