16+14, Yang Hansen faces even more pressure as Klingen is rapidly improving; who truly is the "Nurkić"?

Today, the Trail Blazers went on the road to challenge the Lakers and eventually won. Numerous Chinese fans had high hopes for Yang Hansen, yet his overall performance was not particularly remarkable. In 8 minutes of play, he managed just 1 point and 1 rebound, shooting 0 for 3.

Technically, this was a back-to-back game for the Trail Blazers, so Yang Hansen ought to have received more minutes. However, when his presence on the court doesn't stand out, the coach still firmly opts for a smaller lineup despite the tight schedule. This indicates the coach’s lack of confidence in Yang Hansen. Adding to Yang Hansen's pressure is the fact that his rival, Klingen, is continuously evolving at a very fast pace.

Today, Klingen played 26 minutes and put up 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists, along with a steal and two blocks. It seems Yang Hansen’s arrival has sparked Klingen’s competitive spirit, as it's easier to improve when someone threatens your position. You’ll notice that Klingen has developed a three-point shot this season and even shows some playmaking ability from the top of the key, constantly working to become a more versatile player.

Many have joked whether Yang Hansen’s arrival would replicate the Jokic-Nurkić story of the past. But judging by current circumstances, Klingen may not necessarily be the "Nurkić," nor Yang Hansen the "Jokic"—perhaps it’s the other way around. Clearly, Klingen is a more solid player on the court, and his rebounding skills, especially offensive rebounds, are areas Yang Hansen likely needs to work hard to improve.

Klingen’s physicality is also something Yang Hansen must learn from. Moving forward, Yang Hansen must take every step seriously and fully understand his situation. In reality, he only has two years; if he doesn’t seize chances to prove himself within that time, he might slowly fade out of the league like Zhou Qi once did. We definitely don’t want to see that happen. So for Yang Hansen, it’s crucial to train hard, enhance physical toughness, and eliminate all distractions. Don’t let off-court matters affect your training—that’s the most important thing. I wonder what the fans think about this?