The Portland Trail Blazers have recalled rookie center Yang Hansen from their G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, ahead of November 18âs home game against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center. The team announced the move after Hansen wrapped up a two-game stint with the Remix.
The recall puts the 7-foot-1 first-round pick from China back on the NBA roster just as Portland opens a home back-to-back against Phoenix on Tuesday and the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
Blazers Bring Back Yang Hansen After Strong G League Weekend
GettyYang Hansen is expected to be a major part of Portland’s future, but so far has been limited this season.
Hansenâs latest trip to the G League was short but eye-catching. In his debut with the Remix on Friday, he posted 8 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, a block and a steal in a 107-104 comeback win over the Valley Suns.
He followed that up Sunday with 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in a narrow 113-111 loss to the South Bay Lakers, again logging close to 30 minutes and showcasing touch, passing and rim protection.
The Blazers sent Hansen to the Remix after a stretch of six straight DNP-CDs, as backup center Robert Williams III returned to the rotation and minutes tightened behind starting center Donovan Clingan and reserve big man Duop Reath. Hansen has not appeared in an NBA game since October 31.
Bringing him back now lets Portland keep him around the main group while still treating the G League as a place where he can get heavier minutes when the schedule allows. The Remix donât play again until November 23, when they face the San Diego Clippers.
What Yang Hansenâs Recall Means for Trail Blazers vs. Suns
The big question for fans: will Hansen actually see the floor against Phoenix?
On paper, Portland doesnât need another center for one game. Clingan has held down the starting spot, with Williams and Reath handling the backup minutes and interim head coach Tiago Splitter comfortable going to small-ball looks when Clingan sits.
But the schedule could open a window. Tuesdayâs clash with the Suns is the front end of a back-to-back, with the Bulls coming to town on Wednesday. Portland rested Williams on the second night of back-to-backs last season, and Blazers observers have already floated the idea that a similar plan now could free up rotation minutes for Hansen as soon as Wednesday.
Even if his role against Phoenix is limited to emergency depth, having Hansen active gives Splitter another 7-foot-1 body to throw at a Suns front line that can punish smaller lineups on the glass and in the paint. At minimum, itâs a sign the organization wants him close by as the Blazers navigate a key early-season stretch.
Where to Watch Trail Blazers vs. Suns
The Suns at Trail Blazers matchup tips off at 11 p.m. Eastern / Tuesday, November 18, from Moda Center in Portland.
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock/NBC (regional restrictions may apply) / NBA League Pass.
- Radio (Portland): Rip City Radio 620 AM
With Hansen back from the Remix and the Blazers starting a two-game set at home, Portland fans â and a growing audience in China â will be watching closely to see if the rookie big man gets another crack at NBA minutes.
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