On Friday night at the Moda Center, Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen finally had the chance to meet the basketball star he has admired for months: Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic. For the 7-foot-1 center, often nicknamed the “Chinese Jokic” because of his exceptional passing and basketball intelligence, the encounter was more than just a pregame interaction; it was a realization of a long-held dream. This moment came just before a crucial matchup between Portland and Denver, where the stakes are high for both teams in the Western Conference.
Pregame Connection Highlights Mutual Respect
The two centers met near mid-court during warmups, sharing a lighthearted moment that helped ease some of Hansen’s pregame nerves. Since being selected 16th overall in the recent draft, Hansen has openly expressed his admiration for Jokic’s skills and career achievements. Their friendly exchange was captured by reporter Katy Winge, showing the rookie’s excitement and the established star’s humor in their interaction.
“Yang Hansen has spoken about how much he admires Nikola Jokić. Here’s the two catching up before tonight’s game in Portland. pic.twitter.com/XkTgri9gS4” ?Katy Winge, Reporter
Hansen once joked during All-Star weekend that he “couldn’t wait to kiss” the three-time MVP. Jokic responded with his own playful condition for taking a photo together, stating he would only agree if Hansen promised to perform poorly in the game. This exchange added a fun dimension to the upcoming competitive match.
High Stakes for Both Teams in Tonight’s Game
Although the game had not started at the time of their meeting, the matchup carries significant weight: the Nuggets aim to maintain their dominance atop the Western Conference, thanks to Jokic’s remarkable MVP-level play this season. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are looking to test their young roster, with Hansen playing a key role as a rising talent. Currently averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 assists in limited minutes, Hansen has quickly become a fan favorite in Portland due to his court vision and passing abilities.
Global Influence of Jokic Evident in Rookie’s Development
The handshake and brief conversation before tip-off symbolized more than just respect between two athletes; it showed the growing international impact of Jokic’s style. Hansen’s approach to the game clearly reflects the influence of the “Joker,” and Portland fans are eager to see if the rookie can translate this inspiration into a standout performance on the court. Whether Hansen manages to match Jokic’s mastery or learns valuable lessons from the superstar, this moment marked a significant milestone in his young career.
Yang Hansen has spoken about how much he admires Nikola Jokić. Here’s the two catching up before tonight’s game in Portland. pic.twitter.com/XkTgri9gS4
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) February 21, 2026
