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Stephy Zhang

Portland Trail Blazers centre Yang Hansen missed Monday’s NBA Summer League game against the Orlando Magic due to illness, sparking debate among fans over whether he should return to China for national team duties next month.
The team announced his absence on social media early on Monday, and without Yang, the Summer League squad fell short, losing 112-105 to the Magic in overtime in Las Vegas.
Mainland media reported that the second-year centre, Portland’s only regular-roster player in the tournament, suffered a sudden flare-up of chronic eczema.
His immune system was reportedly compromised by a gruelling back-to-back schedule with both the national and club teams, prompting the Trail Blazers to rest him as a precaution.
During the game against the Phoenix Suns two days earlier, Yang recorded 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists in 26 minutes, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
With Yang missing from the match, his health issues became the focal point for Chinese fans.

Some netizens speculated about hidden motives, noting Yang was seen playing golf the day before.
“He probably strained his back playing golf and is overprotecting a minor injury; he lacks grit,” one user commented.
Others accused him of being “soft” and “unfit for big moments”, while some speculated he might be traded to the Brooklyn Nets or packed off back to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
An update shared by the NBA’s official Chinese social media account from a local basketball blogger noted that Yang’s skin condition stemmed from relentless travel between Shenyang, South Korea, Qingdao and the US, leaving him no time to adapt to jet lag before training.
“[Yang] continued to play despite a rash on his elbow, but under multiple factors, he was too exhausted and fell ill, so he had to sit this one out,” the post read.
“So guys, the team doctors and front office know how to protect our player, let’s show some care for our own kid. Whether in the league or the national team, Hansen has always been that young man who gives his all as long as he is cleared to play, even when injured or unwell,” the blogger said.
“But clearly, this summer, Yang Hansen’s long-distance travel has only just begun,” the post added.
Earlier this month, Yang represented the national team in the first two games of the third window of the Fiba 2027 Basketball World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Chinese Taipei.
Following a 92-74 victory over the latter, China advanced to the second stage. The three windows for this phase are scheduled for late August 2026, late November 2026 and late February 2027, with China set to face Lebanon, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Yang is scheduled to return to China in August for a short-term national team training camp, but his recent absence has intensified discussions among domestic fans regarding his physical readiness to represent the country.
“I want to ask the relevant authorities and professionals, should Yang Hansen really come back to serve the country in the second window of the World Cup qualifiers for just two games? Playing as a backup, how much of a role can he play in ensuring the national team makes the World Cup?” one fan asked.
“Don’t travel back and forth in August. This season is too critical. If muscle fatigue leads to a major injury later, it might affect whether Portland exercises his team option next year,” another noted.
However, some fans welcomed a potential return. “Come to the CBA, the brothers welcome you,” one netizen posted.
Portland will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in their next Summer League match on Tuesday, but it is unknown if Yang will feature.


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NBA (National Basketball Association)

Yang Hansen’s health sparks debate among fans over NBA and Chinese national team commitments

Yang Hansen attempts to shoot during the Fiba 2027 Basketball World Cup qualifiers game between China and Japan earlier this month. Photo: AFP

Some fans were critical of Yang Hansen playing golf the day before the match. Photo: handout

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Sport

Basketball

Portland Trail Blazers centre missed the Summer League match against the Orlando Magic in Las Vegas due to a flare-up of chronic eczema


Portland Trail Blazers centre missed the Summer League match against the Orlando Magic in Las Vegas due to a flare-up of chronic eczema.


CBA (Chinese Basketball Association)

Yang Hansen

Fiba (International Basketball Federation)

Yang Hansen’s health sparks debate among fans over NBA and Chinese national team commitments

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Portland Trail Blazers centre missed the Summer League match against the Orlando Magic in Las Vegas due to a flare-up of chronic eczema

Portland Trail Blazers centre missed the Summer League match against the Orlando Magic in Las Vegas due to a flare-up of chronic eczema