Young Hansen, Nikola Jokic link up before Nuggets showdown
Moda Center felt a bit like a Friday night dream sequence Portland Trail Blazers rookie Young Hansen finally faced his basketball idol, Nikola Jokic. For Hansen, the 7-foot-1 center often referred to as the “Chinese Jokic” of his elite passability and a high basketball IQthis wasn’t just another game on the schedule; the meeting was being prepared for months.
The two caught up near midfield during pre-match warm-ups, a carefree moment that must have calmed the 20-year-old rookie’s nerves. Hansen has since been vocal about his admiration for the Denver Nuggets superstar Portland selected him 16th overall last summer.
Jang Hansen talked about how much he admires Nikola Jokic. Here are the two catching up before tonight’s game in Portland. pic.twitter.com/KskTgri9gS4
— Kati Vinge (@kativinge) February 21, 2026
He even famously joked during All-Star weekend that he “can’t wait to kiss” the three-time MVP. Jokic, always humorous, had previously set a humorous condition for the photo shoot: He would only do one if Hansen promised to play poorly against him.
Even though the game hasn’t started yet, the stakes for both teams couldn’t be higher. The Nuggets arrive in Portland looking to solidify their position atop the Western Conference, led Jokić and his MVP-caliber season. For the Trail Blazers, tonight serves as a big litmus test for their young core.
Hansen enters the matchup averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 assists in limited minutes, but his vision has already made him a fan favorite in Rip City. Facing the man he modeled his game after provides the ultimate learning opportunity.
Whether Hansen manages to outdo a master or Jokic takes a young rookie to school, the pregame handshake confirmed one thing: The Joker’s influence has officially gone global. Portland fans are eager to see if Hansen can translate that talk on the court into magic on the hardwood tonight.
2026-02-21 03:05:00
