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

Yang Hansen’s Nikola Jokic Statement Goes Viral

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 12:42 PM ET

The Portland Trail Blazers shocked the NBA world on draft night, selecting a prospect about 20-30 spots higher than many experts predicted. However, that prospect was none other than 7-foot-3 phenom Yang Hansen, and he undoubtedly has star potential.

Of course, Hansen has a clear size advantage over most competitors, but his skill set is what separates him. In his NBA Summer League debut, Hansen dropped 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks on 3-7 shooting from the field and 1-3 from beyond the arc.

Via NBA: "The Yang Hansen show premiered in Las Vegas tonight!

10 PTS
4 REB
5 AST
3 BLK

A walking highlight reel in his Trail Blazers summer debut.

The Yang Hansen show premiered in Las Vegas tonight!

10 PTS
4 REB
5 AST
3 BLK

A walking highlight reel in his Trail Blazers summer debut. pic.twitter.com/HQQVqrJVbc
— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2025

Hansen had an impressive performance to kick off his NBA career, but he truly shined as a playmaker, especially for his size. Many fans saw a resemblance to Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic with some of the insane passes that Hansen had.

Via Jake Weinbach: "HansenYang is legit.

The 20-year-old center has an exceptionally high IQ for his age, crafty footwork, and an all-around skill set that fills up the box score. There are definitely shades of Jokić in his game.

Buy stock in Yang before it’s too late "

Hansen Yang is legit.

The 20-year-old center has an exceptionally high IQ for his age, crafty footwork, and an all-around skill set that fills up the box score. There are definitely shades of Jokić in his game.

Buy stock in Yang before it’s too late pic.twitter.com/10yuqUACgi
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) July 12, 2025

After his Summer League debut, Hansen was asked what questions he would ask Nikola Jokic when he plays against the Nuggets this year, and his response has gone viral.

"Picture? Signature, please?" Hansen said, translated to English.

Yang Hansen was asked what questions he'll ask his idol Nikola Jokic when he plays him this year.

His response?

"Picture? Signature, please?"

Guys, this kid is going to be great pic.twitter.com/UbIius6RYR
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) July 12, 2025

Yang Hansen has immediately become a fan favorite at the Summer League, and idolizing and modeling his game after three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic seems like a great idea, especially for a player of his size and skill.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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