Hansen Yang embraces Lillard! Trail Blazers host fan party: welcoming the 35-year-old legend back home

On September 22nd Beijing time, with under three weeks remaining until the preseason tip-off, the Portland Trail Blazers organized a fan gathering to celebrate the return of their iconic star Damian Lillard to his home city. Hansen Yang attended and embraced Lillard.

The welcome-back party took place at the Pioneer Courthouse Square, featuring a street carnival with multiple Trail Blazers-themed booths, fan interaction activities, food, music, games, and free giveaways.

When Lillard arrived, the crowd cheered loudly and held up signs saying “Welcome home, Damian.” The Trail Blazers’ official account posted photos from the event with the caption “Love never changed.”

Speaking about his return to the Trail Blazers, Lillard said: “I think it was around that time I truly realized this was really happening. And about a week ago — normally, at that point, I would have been packing to leave. But when I realized ‘I don’t have to wander anymore,’ that feeling was so intense. It was like... I finally came home. At that moment, I fully understood: I don’t have to go anywhere else, this is my home. That thought just became crystal clear in my mind.” Lillard also mentioned that when he played against the Trail Blazers as a Bucks player, he didn’t even know where the visitor locker room was.

Lillard’s new teammate Hansen Yang also joined the party. The DJ introduced him grandly: “2025 first-round 16th pick, let’s give a warm cheer for center number 16, Hansen Yang!” Amid cheers from the fans, Yang appeared in casual clothes and greeted Lillard with a hug.

Previously, Lillard signed a three-year $42 million contract to officially return. However, he is expected to miss the upcoming season due to an Achilles injury suffered during the Bucks’ playoff run, requiring a full season for recovery. Therefore, seeing Hansen Yang and Lillard play together on the court will likely have to wait until the 2026-27 season.

Lillard spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Portland. Selected 6th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2013. He still holds multiple franchise records: total points (19,376), points per game (25.2), three-pointers made (2,387), free throws made (4,427), and free throw percentage (89.5%). Additionally, Lillard helped lead the USA men’s national team to gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.