Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen has long been an admirer of Nikola Jokic and claimed he wanted to “kiss” the Serbian during the All-Star weekend. The duo once again linked up on Friday as the Trail Blazers hosted the Denver Nuggets.
Reporter Katty Winger shared a clip of the pair chatting during warmups at the Moda Center, as their growing on-court bond continues to draw attention.
Thanks for the submission!
“Yang Hansen has spoken about how much he admires Nikola Jokić,” Winge wrote. “Here’s the two catching up before tonight’s game in Portland.”
•
The video quickly went viral as Hansen’s “kiss” claim emerged amid their linkup. The rookie had professed his love for Jokic during the All-Star break, as his translator claimed the rookie wanted to kiss his childhood hero.
““I can’t wait to kiss him,” Hansen said per his translator.
However, the comment was taken out of context. The remark was linked to a traditional Serbian greeting involving three kisses on the cheek and carried no other meaning, despite online speculation.
The duo, however, spent a fair amount of time chatting during warmups before the game at Moda Center. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-0 edge over the Nuggets this season after a narrow 109-107 win in the NBA Cup and will be looking to add another victory on Friday.
Hansen did not play in that earlier matchup due to a coach’s decision and will be hoping for a chance to face his idol, who recorded a 21-point double-double in the last meeting between the two teams.
Nikola Jokic once promised to fulfill Yang Hansen’s photo request under one condition
Selected as the 16th overall pick, Yang Hansen has impressed in his first NBA season, with the center being an unknown entity before his debut in the league.
With a playing style reminiscent of his idol Nikola Jokic, Hansen has even been dubbed the “Chinese Nikola Jokic.” He previously revealed that he grew up a fan of the Serbian and hoped to get a photo and an autograph from him during their matchup.
“Picture and signature, please,” Hansen said.
Jokic agreed to the request but set one condition.
“He is good. I’m happy when he gets in his prime,” Jokic said. “He 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? Then no.”
The duo could finally suit up against each other on Friday, and it remains to be seen if Jokic will fulfill Hansen’s request.
Edited by Arian Kashyap
