How difficult is it for Yang Hansen to seize the position? The three major opponents have their own characteristics, and it is even more difficult for Yang Hansen.

Sports Weekly All-Media Reporter Li Xilin

Yang Hansen has returned to the Trail Blazers from the G League's Torn City Mixed Team, but his status in the Trail Blazers has not changed. He is still ranked behind Klingen, Lowe and Dupu Reese. In the Trail Blazers' 127-123 away game against the Warriors, Yang Hansen once again encountered DNP and was not called by coach Split. In contrast, both Klingen and Lowe performed bravely in this battle and became the contributors to the Blazers' victory. This also means that it is very difficult for Yang Hansen to grab the center position this season. He needs to be more patient, work harder, concentrate on improving his skills, and then wait for the opportunity to come. Yang Hansen needs to be prepared to play with the ball at the fourth center position.

Klingen's progress this season can be seen with the naked eye. His defense at the basket is very tough and he is also very fierce in rebounding. Klingen's free throw shooting has also improved this season. He has evolved into a center who averages a double-double per game. This season, Klingen averaged 25.6 minutes per game, 10.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 blocks, shooting 49.6% from the field, 21.3% from the three-point range, and 88.5% from the free throw line. Last season, Klingen's free throw shooting percentage was only 59.6%, and he has a shortcoming in free throws. This season, his free throws are already at an excellent level among center players.克林根的篮板球在全联盟排名第十。

Klingen's three-point shooting percentage is still relatively low, but he has increased his three-point attempts, averaging 0.6 three-pointers per game. The 21-year-old Klingen's performance proves that the Blazers' strategy of fully cultivating him is correct. The Trail Blazers waived Ayton this offseason, with the most important purpose being to make room for Klingen. Although Ayton ushered in a resurrection with the Lakers, he performed well on the offensive end. But Klingen supported the inside line for the Trail Blazers. He averaged a double-double per game, which was enough to silence the doubters.

What's more, Klingen is only 21 years old and his average playing time is only 25.6 minutes per game. Klingen's performance has been particularly impressive in the last two games. On November 20, the Trail Blazers lost to the Bulls 121-122. Klingen scored 17 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. He made 7 of 13 shots, 1 of 3 three-pointers and 2 of 3 free throws. On November 22, the Trail Blazers defeated the Warriors 127-123. Klingen made 9 of 14 shots, 1 of 4 three-pointers, 3 of 4 free throws, and scored 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

"A lot of people stood up and there were a lot of bright spots. I thought Donovan Klingen played a wonderful game. In the second half, he and Lowe cooperated very well, and he did a great job defending shooters. So, we tried a lot of methods until we found an effective solution." Coach Split praised Klingen.

Lowe played 20 minutes and 31 seconds in the victory over the Warriors, shooting 4 of 6, 1 of 0 three-pointers, 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks. In this game, the Warriors once allowed Curry to frequently single out Klingen, which achieved good results. But in the final quarter, Lowe guarded the inside, and the Warriors' move failed. Lowe is indeed a defensive master. Not only is he strong in protecting the basket, but he can also switch to guard outside players.

Coach Split attaches great importance to Lowe's defensive ability. He said after the game: "Lowe has a playing time limit, and I feel that the time I let him play is a bit excessive. I have been telling Lowe to hold on for two more minutes, hold on for two more minutes. . I need him to stay on the court because his matchup advantage is so important. He can protect the basket and finish strongly at the basket, and he is also our leader on the defensive end."

Split regards Rowe as a leader on the defensive end. A healthy Lowe has a solid position in the Trail Blazers' rotation. After all, Lowe was selected to the All-Defensive Second Team when he played for the Celtics in the 2021-22 season and is one of the league's top interior defenders.

Yang Hansen's current ability is not as good as Klingen's, nor is it as good as Luo Wei's. In particular, Split attaches great importance to rebounding and defense, while Yang Hansen's rebounding ability is not as good as the two centers, and his defense is also inferior.所以，杨瀚森想要抢位非常困难。

Dup Reese plays the third center for the Trail Blazers. He does not play much playing time, but his three-pointers are valued by Split. Reese averaged 7.2 minutes per game this season, 3.4 points and 0.5 rebounds, shooting 58.3% from the field and 59.1% from three-point range.

The big pitcher can also play a role in the Blazers' rotation, but he doesn't get much playing time. What's more, Split will also play five small lineups for a certain period of time. During this period, Sharpe and Holiday were injured and absent, and the Blazers' time for playing smaller lineups was reduced. When Sharp, Horace and Henderson return, the Blazers will spend more time playing smaller lineups.

For Yang Hansen, it is extremely difficult to grab a position in the Trail Blazers. Obviously, he needs to be prepared to play the long game. If there are no injuries at the center position, Yang Hansen may continue this situation throughout the season. For Yang Hansen, the most important thing is to maintain confidence in the trough and comprehensively improve his abilities.

Many players in the NBA did not play much playing time in their rookie season, or even performed poorly, but then they broke out. The latest example is Rockets rookie Shepard. Shepard performed poorly last season and was even regarded by some as a parallel import. But Sheppard gained strength and polished his skills, transforming into an excellent shooter this season. Last season, Sheppard averaged only 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 35.1% from the field and 33.8% from the three-point range. This season, Sheppard averaged 13.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 50.7% from the field, 48.8% from three-point range, and averaging 2.9 three-pointers per game.

If we take interior players as an example, then Yang Hansen’s best reference is Hartenstein.. Harten did not get a formal NBA contract in the first season when he was selected by the Rockets. He only signed with the Vipers, a Rockets-affiliated Development League team, and played in the Development League throughout the season. But Hatten fought back all the way, received a three-year, $87 million contract, and became a championship center. Hatten's next contract may be worth 100 million yuan. Yang Hansen has made some progress in leveling some time ago, and he needs to continue to persevere.