The NBA Summer League 2025 has already produced its breakout star—and it’s none other than Yang Hansen, the Chinese rookie drafted 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. His standout performances and elite passing from the center position have drawn unexpected comparisons to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

And now, Jokic himself has responded—with his usual mix of dry humor and humility.

Yang Hansen Calls Jokic His Idol—and Wants a Photo

In a press conference following a Summer League game, Yang Hansen openly gushed about his admiration for Jokic, saying that if he got the chance to meet him this upcoming season, he’d definitely ask for a photo with his basketball hero.

NBA media quickly pounced on the moment, playing the clip for Jokic—who had a hilarious and heartfelt response.

Nikola Jokic Responds: “He’s Good… But Only Gets a Photo if I Destroy Him!”

When shown the clip of Hansen’s comments, Jokic didn’t miss a beat.

“He’s good. I think I’m happy that when he gets in his prime, I’m gonna be out of the league. He’s talented.”

That was followed by a vintage Jokic quip:

“Yes, he can have a picture or whatever he wants—but only if he plays badly against me! If I destroy him and score a lot of points, then yes. If he does well, then no.”

Classic Jokic—competitive, candid, and never lacking in humor.

The Rise of the Playmaking Big Man: Jokic Inspires a New Generation

The emergence of Yang Hansen signals something much bigger for the league: the beginning of a new era defined by playmaking big men. Jokic, once a unicorn, is now the blueprint for young centers who want to dominate with brains as much as brawn.

Standing at 7’1″, Hansen showed incredible poise during the Summer League, using his height to read defenses and deliver precise passes, much like Jokic in his prime.

Could Yang Hansen Be the Steal of the 2025 NBA Draft?

When the Trail Blazers selected Hansen at No. 16, some called it a reach. But just a few games into Summer League, that narrative has flipped entirely. Hansen’s performances have blown away scouts, and he’s now being hailed as one of the biggest surprises of the draft.

Through four games, Hansen averaged 10.8 points, five rebounds, and 3.8 assists, showing touch at the rim, smart footwork in the post, and a veteran-like understanding of the game.

A New Duo Brewing in Portland: Hansen and Lillard

Another major storyline here is how Damian Lillard, who recently re-signed with Portland, could benefit from Hansen’s arrival. With Hansen acting as a secondary playmaker from the post, Lillard might enjoy a level of offensive freedom he hasn’t seen in years.

“You can already imagine pick-and-roll actions with Lillard and Hansen,” one scout noted. “Hansen gives them a whole new wrinkle.”

This combination of high IQ passing and rim protection makes Hansen a perfect fit for the modern NBA.

The Jokic Effect: From Taco Bell to Trendsetter

It’s impossible to talk about Yang Hansen’s impact without acknowledging the Jokic effect. The Nuggets star—once drafted during a Taco Bell commercial in the second round—is now the face of a revolution in how the NBA views the center position.

And Yang is its first disciple.

“It’s insane how much Jokic changed the game,” ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said. “Ten years ago, no one was drafting centers for their passing. Now we’ve got Yang Hansen trying to become the next Jokic. That’s wild.”

Will Hansen Live Up to the Hype?

That remains to be seen. While Hansen is turning heads, he still has to adjust to the rigors of the NBA regular season, where the speed, physicality, and scouting are several levels higher than in Summer League.

But one thing is clear—Nikola Jokic is watching, and so is the rest of the league.

And come the first matchup between Denver and Portland, you can bet all eyes will be on that Jokic vs. Hansen showdown.

Will Jokic “destroy him” like he joked, or will Hansen rise to the occasion?

Either way, basketball fans win.

Final Thoughts: A Passing of the Torch?

This lighthearted exchange between Nikola Jokic and Yang Hansen feels like more than just a media moment. It could mark the beginning of a passing of the torch between generations.

Yang Hansen may not be Jokic 2.0 just yet—but he’s well on his way to becoming one of the most exciting rookies in recent memory.

And if he ever does get that photo with Jokic, it’ll be worth more than a thousand words.