Yang Hansen embraces 'Baby Jokic' label

Portland's Yang Hansen discusses the pressure of being compared to Nikola Jokic. Other Northwest notes include Cody Williams's Christmas matchup with his brother and Will Hardy's relationship-building trip to Finland to connect with Lauri Markkanen.

Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen is using the pressure of being called 'Baby Jokic' as motivation. The 2025 16th overall pick has drawn comparisons to Denver's Nikola Jokic for years due to his passing and developing jump shot.

Yang calls Jokic his idol. He respects the three-time MVP's style of play, which he says fans hope to see from him as well. The young center recently posted 15 points and nine rebounds in a World Cup qualifier win for his national team over Qatar.

Sibling Rivalry Set for Christmas

Cody Williams's trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves sets up a holiday family affair. He will face his brother, Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams, when the teams meet on Christmas Day.

Jalen Williams acknowledged the upcoming matchup on social media. "See you on Christmas, brudda," he wrote. Cody Williams, who has struggled in his first two NBA seasons, gets a fresh start with a Minnesota team harboring championship ambitions. Fans can check the full holiday fixtures when the schedule is released.

Hardy Invests in Markkanen Relationship

Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy took a trip to Finland this summer to strengthen his bond with star Lauri Markkanen. Hardy believes that deepening their personal connection is crucial as the Jazz aim to return to contention.

Markkanen is the only player remaining from Hardy's first Utah roster four years ago. The coach said seeing the forward in his home environment was enlightening. "The human piece is very key to our success moving forward," Hardy stated.

He emphasized that winning at the highest level is hard and requires a foundation of strong personal relationships. "Lauri makes a lot more sense to me now," Hardy concluded.

Markkanen Dominates in Qualifier

Lauri Markkanen showcased his form in a World Cup qualifier for Finland just days ago. He powered his team to a 29-point victory over Estonia with a highly efficient performance.

Markkanen recorded a double-double in only 25 minutes of play. His full line from the dominant win is below:

That kind of production is what Utah will need as they look to climb the Western Conference standings this season.

Source: Hoops Rumors