Trail Blazers Beat Writer Questions Team’s Decision: Failed to Create a Successful Environment for Yang Hanshen; Coward Better Fits Current Playstyle

On November 8th Beijing time, Trail Blazers reporter Reese Kunz addressed Yang Hanshen, questioning the team’s failure to create a successful setting for the center and noting that Coward could have been chosen based on the current roster and tactics. The following is Kunz’s article —

We think rookie Yang Hanshen merits minutes in Portland’s packed frontcourt, yet interim coach Stotts apparently does not share this view. Yang showed great potential throughout the offseason, and the buzz surrounding him was entirely justified. However, early in the season, that potential has yet to translate into consistent regular-season performance.

Yang Hanshen is currently averaging just 1.8 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 22.2%. This is not entirely his fault — the Trail Blazers have not provided optimal conditions for him to thrive.

Trail Blazers Have Not Created a Successful Environment for Yang Hanshen

After the surprising draft pick, the Trail Blazers emphasized they did not view Yang Hanshen as a long-term developmental “project.” Yet, the limited opportunities he has received contradict this stance: averaging only 5.8 minutes per game and sitting out three consecutive games without playing.

Recently, when asked about plans for using Yang Hanshen, Stotts replied, “I don’t know. I understand the high expectations outside. For now, he will keep training and improving himself—adapting to NBA physical demands, game pace, and so on... We have to be patient with him. I don’t want to rush him onto the court; we need to be cautious about that.”

Before the season started, there were high hopes for Yang Hanshen as a backup center to Klingen, but his ranking in the Trail Blazers’ frontcourt depth chart quickly fell. The performances of Lowe and Reis justify Stotts’ decision.

However, this raises the question: what was the original purpose of selecting Yang Hanshen?

Coward Is a Better Fit for the Trail Blazers’ Roster

The Trail Blazers already have a deep frontcourt and have established Klingen as their future core center — his strong rookie season secured that role. They could have chosen a rookie like Coward to add perimeter shooting and balance the lineup.

On draft day, the Trail Blazers swapped picks with the Grizzlies, who then used Portland’s original 11th pick to select Coward. This turned out to be a successful choice for Memphis: Coward currently averages 14.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, with shooting splits of 53.7% FG, 41.2% 3P, and 90% FT, delivering an impressive performance.

Coward also boasts a 7’2” wingspan and is a versatile defender and valuable two-way player. Compared to Yang Hanshen, his defense, shooting, and ability to create offense independently better suit the Trail Blazers’ roster and playing style. With Sable sidelined due to a thumb injury, Portland has had to rely on Chris Murray and Sisoko to fill wing depth. Coward could have immediately boosted the team’s strength, helping the Trail Blazers get closer to playoff contention while improving the team’s long-term outlook with his seamless fit.

Although it’s too early to definitively say Coward would be the better choice, current trends suggest this. Among this strong rookie class, Coward has already stood out, while Yang Hanshen, as the coach mentioned, is not yet ready for NBA competition.