May 14, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball while New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) defends in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

'He’s Been a Superstar' – Portland Trail Blazers Rookie Gets Huge Shoutout From 2-Time NBA Champion Teammate

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 9:13 AM ET

Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Yang Hansen has gained a new fan in teammate Jrue Holiday, who praised the Chinese international for his performances in the recently concluded Summer League in Las Vegas.

According to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, Holiday sees massive potential in Hansen, dubbed the “Chinese Jokic” before the Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the 16th overall pick.

“He’s been a superstar. He’s been hooping,” Holiday said about Hansen during his introductory press conference. “We were talking about it earlier, how much media he’s had in Vegas.”

“He deserves it. He’s been doing his thing. I’m not sure anybody saw how well he would play, but he’s been playing well. I’m excited,” he added.

Portland Trail Blazers News: Yang Hansen gets advice from unlikely NBA star

Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Yang Hansen went viral for his wholesome interaction with Kawhi Leonard about adjusting to the NBA. According to the Los Angeles Clippers forward, Hansen should get used to being mobbed by fans even if he’s not yet a household name.

Jan 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

“Everyone’s just coming out, ‘Oh, photo, photo, photo!’ (They) don’t even know who I am, say, ‘You are so tall!'” Hansen said via his translator.

“Yeah, I understand. I felt the same way,” Leonard said. “Once you get a few more games under your belt, it’ll slow down.”