The Moda Center felt a little bit like a dream sequence on Friday night as Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen finally came face-to-face with his basketball idol, Nikola Jokic. For Hansen, a 7-foot-1 center often dubbed the “Chinese Jokic” for his elite passing and high basketball IQ, this wasn't just another game on the schedule; it was a meeting months in the making.
The two caught up near mid-court during pregame warmups, a lighthearted moment that surely calmed some nerves for the 20-year-old rookie. Hansen has been vocal about his admiration for the Denver Nuggets superstar since Portland selected him 16th overall last summer.
Yang Hansen has spoken about how much he admires Nikola Jokić. Here’s the two catching up before tonight’s game in Portland. pic.twitter.com/XkTgri9gS4
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) February 21, 2026
He even famously joked during All-Star weekend that he “couldn't wait to kiss” the three-time MVP. Jokic, ever the wit, had previously set a humorous condition for a photo op: he’d only take one if Hansen promised to play poorly against him.
While the game hasn't tipped off yet, the stakes for both teams couldn't be higher. The Nuggets arrive in Portland looking to solidify their standing at the top of the Western Conference, led by Jokic and his MVP-caliber season. For the Trail Blazers, tonight serves as a massive litmus test for their young core.
Hansen enters the matchup averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 assists in limited minutes, but his vision has already made him a fan favorite in Rip City. Facing the man he modeled his game after provides the ultimate learning opportunity.
Whether Hansen manages to out-pass the master or Jokic takes the young rookie to school, the pregame handshake confirmed one thing: the “Joker” influence has officially gone global. Portland fans are eager to see if Hansen can translate that courtside chat into some magic on the hardwood tonight.
