Blazers' Yang Hansen Reveals Advice from 'Icon' Yao Ming amid Summer League Breakout

Portland Trail Blazers first-round pick Yang Hansen has quickly become a fan favorite during Summer League action, both in the United States and China. As he navigates life as an NBA rookie, he has a pretty good mentor to lean on—NBA Hall of Famer Yao Ming.

"It's a lot of pressure, for sure," he told Ben Golliver of the Washington Post. "I just want to show the people in China I'm doing good. Before I headed to the States, Yao called me and shared some of his experiences. He told me to enjoy your food, enjoy your drinks, enjoy your sleep and enjoy everything. Yao is the icon for Chinese basketball. He's special. I'm just a rookie. I can feel a lot of expectations and anticipation on me. Yao is No. 1 in paradise. Compared to him, I'm cold ash in a pot."

It remains to be seen how large a role he'll play for the Blazers this season, with Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III also available at center. Yang's passing, scoring and rebounding popped during Summer League, but his rim-protection and defending in space appear to be early limitations.

But the Blazers will be patient with Yang, and his own mindset seems to be focused on improving in the here and now.

"There's a saying in my heart," he told Golliver. "Don't worry about anything that's more than eight hours away. And even if it's within eight hours, don't worry too much. Be positive no matter where you go. Be happy, and try to have fun with everyone."