On July 12th, the highly anticipated NBA Summer League kicked off, with Yang Hansen playing a pivotal role. Over the course of 24 minutes, he displayed an impressive performance with 7 shots, 3 of them being successful, including a three-pointer. He also contributed with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.
Yang Hansen's presence on the court was undeniable. His exceptional abilities were exhibited both in attack and defense. After the game, those who had initially selected Yang at the 16th pick in the draft were already feeling lucky. Selecting Yang Hansen at the 16th spot was truly a steal. Although his score was not high, what he brought to the table went beyond mere statistics. For instance, his positioning in securing rebounds made it effortless for his teammates to grab the ball.
In his first game, Yang Hansen showcased all his abilities, including his highly acclaimed basketball IQ. What impresses me more is his relaxed demeanor. After breaking through his opponents' defenses, Yang Hansen would smile and point at them, indicating a level of confidence and ease that is rare in Chinese players entering the NBA.
Even compared to legends like Yao Ming who couldn't command his teammates in their first game, or later players like Wang Zhizhi and Yi Jianlian, Yang Hansen stands out. Despite his limited English proficiency, he could be seen socializing with teammates off the court, sharing jokes and appearing as if he had grown up playing basketball in an American environment.
His relaxed demeanor does not mean he is not serious about playing basketball. As stated by the Summer League coach, "He smiles while playing, but he doesn't back down in the face of competition. I really appreciate that!" His nonchalant approach to the game gives a sense of effortless grace and confidence that is truly inspirational.