Wang Zhizhi Was Right! Trail Blazers Reporter Reveals Four Major Flaws Holding Back Yang Hanshen’s Rise to Greatness

As the new NBA season approaches, Chinese basketball fans have more reason than ever to be excited. After several years of waiting, a Chinese player will once again take the court on basketball’s biggest stage — Portland Trail Blazers’ rising center, Yang Hanshen.

Over the course of two preseason games, fans have witnessed Yang’s rapid growth and potential, sparking high expectations for his debut season. However, Trail Blazers reporter Reese Kunz published an in-depth analysis outlining four key challenges Yang must overcome to reach his full potential.

1. Too Many Fouls

In both preseason games, Yang fouled out with six personal fouls, often picking them up far too early. Whether against the Warriors or the Kings, he was frequently in foul trouble by the middle of the first half, forcing the coaching staff to limit his minutes.

Kunz pointed out that Yang still struggles with physical battles in the paint. His lack of proper positioning and delayed reactions often result in unnecessary fouls. Another major factor is Yang’s limited adaptation to NBA officiating — the standards and pace are vastly different from those in China.

Kunz suggested that Yang must adjust his defensive habits and better anticipate opponents’ movements to reduce fouls and earn consistent playing time.

2. Turnover Troubles

During the Summer League, Yang averaged 3.75 turnovers per game, and even in the preseason, that number remained high at 3.5. Although slightly improved, it remains a major concern.

Kunz emphasized that if Yang is to become a core offensive facilitator for the Trail Blazers, especially as a high-post playmaker, he must handle the ball more carefully and improve his decision-making. Cutting down on turnovers will help him contribute more fluidly within the team’s offensive flow.

3. Lack of Speed

Speed is another area highlighted by both Kunz and the Blazers’ head coach, Chauncey Billups, who acknowledged that Yang’s pace is currently a limiting factor. In today’s fast-paced, small-ball era, centers who can’t keep up with the tempo risk becoming defensive liabilities.

This weakness was also noted by Wang Zhizhi, one of China’s greatest basketball icons, who publicly stated in May: “I told Yang Hanshen directly — his biggest problem is speed. He’s not yet able to match the rhythm of the modern game.”

4. Competition with Clingan

Yang also faces fierce internal competition. Following Deandre Ayton’s move to the Lakers, the Trail Blazers’ current starting center Donovan Clingan is expected to take on a major role this season.

Kunz noted that Clingan will likely receive significant minutes, and with Billups reluctant to use a twin-tower lineup, Yang’s playing time may be limited in the short term. To earn a bigger role, he must prove his impact whenever he steps on the floor.

Beyond the Court: The Weight of Expectations

Aside from these four technical challenges, Kunz also mentioned another crucial factor — media pressure. With China’s long absence from NBA representation, Yang’s every move will attract enormous attention, both positive and negative. Managing this wave of public scrutiny will be as important as improving his game.

Naturally, many fans have drawn comparisons between Yang Hanshen and the legendary Yao Ming, given their shared position and background. During Portland’s Media Day, a host discussed this very topic on a podcast:

“Some might compare Yang to Yao, but their styles are completely different. Yao was a dominant low-post scorer with refined fundamentals, while Yang offers a more modern, versatile skill set. We don’t yet know how far he’ll go, but if in a few years we’re talking about his fifth All-Star appearance, that would be truly remarkable.”

In short, Yang Hanshen stands at the start of a new chapter — one filled with challenges, growth, and immense potential. If he can learn, adapt, and rise under pressure, Chinese fans may once again have a homegrown star to cheer for in the NBA.