Blazers Notes: Yang Hansen Shut Down, Damian Lillard Turned Down Contenders, When Will Lillard Play Again?

Nelson Espinal|
Jan 28, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups embraces Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard (0, right) after a game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups embraces Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard (0, right) after a game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

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Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers are shutting down first-round pick Yang Hansen for the remainder of the NBA Summer League.

Luckily, it isn't due to an injury concern. The front office was left happy with what they saw and felt that additional playing time was unnecessary.

Hansen impressed enough to potentially merit a spot on the rotation, especially after the exit of Deandre Ayton.

If he does crack the NBA rotation, he will play with Blazers legend Damian Lillard, who rejected other top contenders to reunite with his beloved franchise on a three-year, $42 million deal.

Unfortunately, he won't step on the court until the 2026-2027 season. Lillard tore his Achilles in the NBA playoffs, an injury that takes more than a year to recover from.

Here’s more information on these stories and all the latest Trail Blazers news (click the headline for the full article):

Blazers Shutting Down Yang Hansen From Summer League: Report

When Will Damian Lillard Play for Blazers After Signing With Portland Following Torn Achilles?

Damian Lillard Chose Blazers Over Multiple Offers From NBA Contenders

Blazers' Yang Hansen Was Shocked to Be Drafted: 'I Was Just Finishing My Fried Chicken'

Blazers' Damian Lillard 1 of 2 Players in Entire NBA With Key Contract Stipulation

NBA World Reacts to Damian Lillard Returning to Blazers to Finish Career

Damian Lillard Breaks Silence on Returning to Blazers to Finish Career

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For more news and notes on the Portland Trail Blazers, visit Portland Trail Blazers on SI.

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Nelson Espinal
NELSON ESPINAL

Nelson Espinal lives and breathes sports. Avidly following of everything ranging from motorsports to Mixed Martial Arts to tennis, he is connected with most of the sports world at all times. His dream of writing about sports started at 16 years of age, writing for a Lakers fans blog, and his passions for sports writing has grown since. He has his Bachelor's degree in Political Science, and a minor in writing literature from the University of California, San Diego.

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