Portland Trail Blazers' Yang Hansen (left) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers' Jarred Vanderbilt during an NBA game on October 27, 2025. Photo: VCG

Portland Trail Blazers' rookie center Yang Hansen of China has been assigned to Blazers' G League affiliate the Rip City Remix, the team announced. Chinese analysts believe the move to be "understandable" and likely to boost his capabilities.

"The Trail Blazers have assigned center Yang Hansen to the @ripcityremix for scheduled practices," the Blazers posted on its account on X on Saturday.

The "scheduled practice" suggested that the move could be temporary, and the 2.16-meter center will be back with the Blazers when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

Yang, the No.16 pick in this summer's NBA Draft, has played sparingly for the Blazers behind starting center Donovan Clingan. 

According to the NBA, the 20-year-old averaged only 1.8 points and 0.8 rebounds in an averaged 5.8 minutes in five games. 

In response, Yang's team said that the move will "further enhance his competitiveness and better adapt to the high intensity of NBA games."

"Yang will, starting immediately, take part not only in Blazers' regular games and practices, but also in the daily training sessions of their G League affiliate," his team said in a post on Weibo on Sunday.

"The goal is to increase his training workload, strengthen his physical conditioning and refine his individual skills," it said.

The team also thanked basketball fans for their continued support and encouraged patience, saying Yang remains focused on the long journey ahead this season.

Analysts say the move is a practical step for Yang's development.

"It's not a bad decision as Yang could gain more match experience in G league to get familiar with the pace," Zhang Bin, a Beijing-based sports commentator, told the Global Times. 

"He might have to switch back and forth from the Blazers to the G League team this season. But as long as it yields positive results, it's all worth it. More grind will only sharpen him," Zhang said.

Zhu Meng, another sports commentator, said the decision shows the Blazers is prioritizing Yang's development.

"It's clear the Blazers are prioritizing Yang's development," Zhu told the Global Times. "Splitting time between the two teams rather than being sent to the G league permanently is the best arrangement for him right now."