Blazers' Yang Hansen Has Hilarious Response to All-Star Question

The 7-foot-1 Chinese center is eager to meet his idol, Nikola Jokic, but his request took an unexpected turn.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Yang Hansen, who was selected 16th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, had a hilarious response when asked about potentially meeting his childhood idol, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, during NBA All-Star weekend. Hansen said he "can't wait to kiss" Jokic, much to the surprise of his translator. Despite his underwhelming NBA stats so far, Hansen has been dominant in the G League and is eagerly awaiting the chance to meet the three-time MVP.

Why it matters

Yang Hansen's connection to Nikola Jokic, one of the NBA's biggest stars, has generated significant interest and humor around the league. While Hansen's rookie NBA season has been slow, his potential and admiration for Jokic have made him a rising storyline to watch as he continues to develop.

The details

Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 Chinese center, was selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft. He has been compared to a "mild version of" Jokic, the three-time MVP of the Denver Nuggets, who is Hansen's idol. During an interview at NBA All-Star weekend, where Hansen was named to the Rising Stars event, he made a surprising statement about wanting to "kiss" Jokic if he got the chance to meet him. This was a significant escalation from Hansen's previous comments, where he had only asked for a picture and autograph from Jokic.

  • Yang Hansen was selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft.
  • During the 2025 NBA Summer League, Hansen said he would ask Jokic for a picture and autograph if he ever met him.
  • In February 2026, Hansen was named to the NBA Rising Stars event during All-Star weekend.

The players

Yang Hansen

A 7-foot-1 Chinese center who was selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft. He has been compared to a "mild version of" Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, who is Hansen's idol.

Nikola Jokic

The three-time NBA MVP of the Denver Nuggets, who is considered one of the league's biggest stars and is the idol of Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen.

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What they’re saying

“I can't wait to kiss him.”

— Yang Hansen (Legion Hoops)

“He's good. I'm happy that when he gets in his prime, I'll be out of the league probably. He's talented. Yes, we can have a picture of whatever he wants, only if he plays bad against me. Let's say that if I destroy him and I score a lot of points, then yes. If he does that, then no.”

— Nikola Jokic (NBA)

The takeaway

Yang Hansen's hilarious and unexpected response about wanting to "kiss" his idol, Nikola Jokic, has generated significant buzz and interest around the young Trail Blazers center. While his rookie NBA season has been slow, Hansen's potential, connection to Jokic, and entertaining personality have made him a rising storyline to watch as he continues to develop.