Blazers' Yang Hansen Reacts to Damian Lillard Return

Nelson Espinal|
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Yang Hansen walks to the stage after being selected as the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Yang Hansen walks to the stage after being selected as the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers first-round pick Yang Hansen showed his true feeling regarding franchise icon Damian Lillard joining the team once again.

After exploring the market as a free agent, Lillard decided to come back to Portland after spending two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Chinese center Yang Hansen is a part of the Blazers Summer League team out in Las Vegas, and while speaking to the media, he was asked about the return of Lillard.

He pointed to his wrist with a smile, acknowledging the fact that "Dame Time" is back in Portland.

More news:Blazers' Yang Hansen Already Drawing Attention of Rival Coaches and Executives

Lillard tore his Achilles, which is leaving him on the sidelines for the upcoming season. The Bucks are under pressure to compete immediately and decided to free up cap space by waiving Lillard for center Myles Turner.

He signed a three-year, $42 million deal and is set to recover from his injury in Oregon. He should provide two seasons worth of play on his current contract, but his impact is felt more than just on the court.

Lillard is a staple of the Portland community. He also provides years of NBA experience and could mentor young players like Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson.

More news: Damian Lillard Signing With Blazers in Blockbuster $42 Million Signing

Hansen should also benefit from the arrival of Lillard. As a whole, the current roster doesn't have much 3-point shooting, and Lillard should offer floor spacing in spades.

Also, he excels in running pick-and-rolls, which gives Hansen a reliable playmaker who can make life easier for the big man.

While Lillard and Hansen play different positions, the All-NBA talent can offer advice on how to handle the challenges of the NBA.

For a young player entering his rookie season, Hansen is set up in a supportive environment, which should yield a great atmosphere for development.

More news: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Discusses Blazers Relocating From Portland

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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