With Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III established as the top two, what potential is there for a Yang Hansen impact season?
Going into Summer League, the Blazers' crowded backcourt is well-documented. But they also have some decisions to make upfront behind their top two centers. Donovan Clingan has the starting spot locked up. He averaged a healthy double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds as one of the best offensive rebounders in the game. He was third in the leauge in total rebounds last year. Still a very young player, he's the present and future of the Portland frontcourt. Drafted by the team a few years ago, they're looking to him to continue to take an expanded role.
Robert Williams III made such an impression last year that he's being brought back to the tune of 3 years, 44 million. The Timelord is a shot blocker and defensive rebounder extraordinaire, the perfect complement to Clingan up front. There isn't a defensive drop-off with Williams in the game. He's also a reliable finisher at the rim. At this point in his career, he's been around the block and can be counted on to take a leadership role. A valuable center in relief can be so critical as Mitchell Robinson just proved during the Knicks' title run. Williams has, of course, also appeared in the NBA Finals in 2022 and can use his experience to benefit his younger teammates.
Last year's draft pick, Yang Hansen, is 7 foot 2 inches of tantalizing potential. He'll try to make a name for himself at Summer League and get another crack at it. With coach Micah Nori talking about a Damian Lillard and Ja Morant backcourt, it will be even more important to have a strong last line of defense because their guards are both under 6 foot 4.
Newly signed Branden Carlsen is a stretch big, standing 7'0. On a one-year deal, he'll be available for duty as well. With Nori delegating Summer League coaching duties to the lead assistant and head of player development, Gilbert Abraham, their developing players will get a fair chance to make their case. A breakout Summer League for Hansen could cut into Williams' minutes because Clingan is probably too established to lose his.
With depth at Center and Guard, wings including Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara will be able to play their natural positions most of the time because there won't be a need for them to slide over. They can in certain matchups when it makes sense, but not because of a lack of quality big-man or guard play.
