At Trail Blazers Media Day on Monday, general manager Joe Cronin was asked about Yang Hansen's development and role in this revamped frontcourt. Cronin expressed optimism about Hansen's long-term outlook, adding that he'll have the opportunity to compete as the third-string center behind Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III in the short term.
“Still remain very optimistic about his future," Cronin said. "He’ll go into training camp competing for that third center slot. We got Donovan and Rob, and then there's some minutes up for grab there. Hansen, Branden Carlson, Micah Potter, Jeremy Sochan- any kind of small lineup we do, all those guys will be competing for that. So, expecting him to put up a good fight there.”
Yang Hansen looks to compete as Blazers' third-string center
Clingan had a breakout as Portland's starting center in his second season and could take his game to another level in Year 3. Between him and Williams, the Blazers still have one of the best defensive center duos in the league.
That proved to be a major advantage for Portland as Williams put together one of the healthiest seasons of what has been an injury-plagued career. Portland's front office wisely baked Williams' injury history into that uniquely structured new deal. But even if they are covered for it financially, the Blazers still would have a massive frontcourt void to fill as they look for an answer to spell Clingan.
Hansen may have played that role for stretches last season, averaging 7.0 minutes per game in 43 games played. Still, that was largely due to injuries in Portland's frontcourt rather than anything else. Interim head coach Tiago Splitter was adamant that he didn't want to throw Hansen into the fire, and new first-year head coach Micah Nori could have a similar approach this year with their multi-year project.
Nori comes in with immediate win-now expectations, taking over a talented roster that just made the postseason. He won't have the patience for Hansen's growing pains, especially now that other frontcourt options such as Branden Carlson, Micah Potter, and Jeremy Sochan are in the mix.
G League may be the best place for Yang Hansen
Cronin said the Blazers will use these options when they resort to small lineups, which doesn't play to Hansen's advantage either. Barring injuries, it's hard to see a scenario where Nori thinks this team has an advantage going with Hansen over these other options.
Potter provides better floor spacing, Sochan is the defensive upgrade, and Carlson is just a more NBA-ready big man at 27. Hansen's advantage lies in his basketball IQ and court vision, a strength that's hard to utilize for an end-of-bench player who rarely has the ball in his hands.
Continuing to invest in their first-round pick is one way to keep Hansen on this 15-man roster. But once he gets the chance to compete for that third-string center spot in training camp, Nori should quickly realize it's in his best interest to look at other options behind Clingan and Williams in this crowded frontcourt.
These offseason moves have made it a strength for Portland, but the depth paired with win-now expectations makes it hard to see when Hansen fits into the picture this season. The depth could help his chances to suit up more in the G League, but that's about all we see going forward for this recent first-round investment.
