NBA officially announces Yang Hansen! Fifteen years, a full fifteen years of waiting

Congratulations, congratulations.

Yang Hansen was selected for the 2026 NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge as a G League player, making a Chinese player appear on the NBA All-Star stage again after 15 years.

Doc Rivers said, "They have to give everything they've got and demonstrate real ability to prove they can stay in the league."

Up to now,Yang Hansen has played eight games for the Rip City Remix in the G League, averaging 17 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks, showing well-rounded statsso he genuinely earned his spot in the All-Star game as a G League rookie. While the exposure from the Chinese market may add some benefit, it’s minimal.

The renowned Klutch Sports agency and the Portland Trail Blazers official accounts both posted congratulations on Yang Hansen’s selection to the 2026 NBA All-Star Rookie Game.

Of course, we hope that next year Yang Hansen will participate in the NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge again, but this time as a sophomore NBA rookie.

There are ten first-year players selected for the NBA All-Star Rookie Game: Flagler (Mavericks), Kneipell (Hornets), Achiuwa (76ers), Coward (Grizzlies), Quinn (Pelicans), Trey Johnson (Wizards), Harper (Spurs), Boyles (Raptors), Jemin (Nets), and Fells (Pelicans).

Eleven second-year players were chosen: Klingen (Trail Blazers), Sarr (Wizards), Shepherd (Rockets), Bouzellis (Bulls), Kastle (Spurs), Keyshawn George (Wizards), Ajayi Mitchell (Thunder), Cam Spence (Grizzlies), Jalen Tyson (Cavaliers), Weir (Heat), and Wells (Grizzlies).

It must be said that in terms of popularity and skill, the first-year players might completely outshine the second-year group, mainly because the 2025 draft class is exceptionally strong, with several already becoming key players for their teams, such as Flagler and Kneipell, both averaging nearly 19 points per game this season.