There’s a classic saying that warns people, you should never meet your heroes. However, when the time comes for Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen to meet Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, it appears the 20-year-old rookie will be welcomed with open arms by the three-time NBA MVP.
In a viral clip at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Yang was asked what he’ll say to Jokic — who he has called his basketball idol — when they meet in the regular season. Speaking via his interpreter, Yang got
laughs from reporters with the humble answer: “Picture, signature, please?”
In a video posted to the NBA’s X account on Tuesday, Jokic responded to the clip of Yang’s request. While complimenting Yang’s game, Jokic said he’d be more than happy to help Yang out...barring one caveat.
There’s just one catch… Nikola Jokić reacts to seeing @Hans15Y’s request! pic.twitter.com/qP2MkOiNI3
— NBA (@NBA) July 23, 2025
“He’s good. I’m happy that when he gets in his prime, I’m gonna be out of the league probably. He’s talented. Yes, we can have a picture or whatever he wants — only if he plays bad against me. ... If I destroy him, and I score a lot of points, then yes. If he does that, no.”
Shortly after the Blazers drafted Yang with the No. 16 pick in June’s NBA Draft, lofty comparisons to Jokic started rolling in for the rookie. While reaching the success of a player like Jokic is an unfair expectation for any rookie, at the very least, one can see Jokic’s influence on Yang by the way he plays the game. Some Jokic-esque qualities shine through in the way he sees the floor, delivers the ball precisely and creatively, and moves with advanced footwork for a 7-foot-1 center.
The reaction and kind words from Jokic come on the heels of Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard also complimenting Yang on Monday. Not a bad week for the rookie.
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