The preseason for the 2025-26 NBA season has been awesome for the Trail Blazers’ centers within Chauncey Billups’ plans. Donovan Clingan has emerged as the starter, while Yang Hansen’s development is progressing well.
The Trail Blazers are the Right Team for Yang Hansen’s Development
Most people who have stayed up to date with the Portland Trail Blazers’ offseason see good center depth. Donovan Clingan has emerged as the center for the future, while Yang Hansen is another promising prospect.
The Blazers’ young core is promising, especially in the center position. During the preseason, the two big men have impressed. Clingan is cementing himself as one of the best rim protectors in the league.
In Yang’s case, he was superb during the game against the Sacramento Kings. Across his 17 minutes, Yang had 16 points, four rebounds, and three blocks. It was an excellent performance that showed why Portland drafted him.
The 2025-26 Season is Key for Yang Hansen’s Development
Since he is only a rookie, Yang will probably play sporadic minutes. Duop Reath is still a reliable backup center. The same goes for Robert Williams III when he is healthy.
Blazers fans should see Yang playing for both the Blazers and the G-League’s Rip City Remix. As soon as he gets minutes for the Blazers, he will try harder than ever to stand out.
No. 16 overall pick Yang Hansen shined in Portland's preseason win tonight!
🏀 16 points
🏀 4 rebounds
🏀 3 blocks pic.twitter.com/StBBpTRpAo— NBA (@NBA) October 11, 2025
Yang could figure into head coach Chauncey Billups’ plans. Yang has the higher offensive ceiling with his off-the-dribble skills and playmaking potential. However, Clingan has the higher ceiling on the defensive end.
The 2025-26 season will be a year for Yang’s development. It is clear that the Blazers have plans for him, but he must keep learning in the meantime. Thankfully, he has a lot of people to learn from, including Billups and his assistant coaches like Tiago Splitter.
Clingan is the Likely Long-Term Center for Portland
While Yang is a promising prospect, he is not the ready-made player like Clingan. In just his second year, Clingan has already secured the starting spot on the Trail Blazers.
They are both the Blazers’ centers, but Clingan has a high defensive floor and even higher ceiling. Many have compared him to someone like Rudy Gobert, who is the league’s best modern defender.
Donovan Clingan was a statistical monster defending the rim in somewhat limited sample last year…
Mixes world-class size + world-class timing to overcome a lack of quick-twitch explosiveness. Elite rim deterrent as well. Going to be a special deep-drop defender for awhile. https://t.co/sBgNdidubn pic.twitter.com/52TyDO2KfR
— NBA University (@NBA_University) August 6, 2025
The Blazers found him to be good enough to let go of Deandre Ayton in the offseason. With his defensive impact and potential as an offensive player, Clingan can be a franchise center.
He fits the bill of a Billups center. Since the Blazers’ head coach loves pick-and-roll play, Scoot Henderson and Clingan have already shown a potential one-two punch. Even Shaedon Sharpe has linked up with Clingan in pick-and-rolls from time to time.
The Blazers’ Center Depth is Good for the Foreseeable Future
While Reath and Williams are on the roster, Blazers fans would agree that Clingan and Yang are the long-term centers. There will be a time when the Blazers might have to choose between them.
Clingan is the favorite for that role, but Yang has the natural talent to make a case. That won’t be an issue for the next few seasons because they will focus on working together.
Billups’ plans are in full swing as they have pivoted to focusing on defense. With Clingan as the anchor and Toumani Camara as the ace, they have a promising defensive system. Yang can also be a promising defender, considering he was the Defensive Player of the Year in the CBA.
Portland has a fantastic duo brewing with Clingan and the lovable Yang. The fans are having fun with their potential for the long-term future.
© Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
