Yao Ming, the Hall of Fame center, had a conversation with Yang Hansen, the Portland Trail Blazers' first-round pick, before Hansen came to the NBA.
What happened?
Hansen revealed that Yao Ming told him to enjoy his time in the NBA, sharing his own experiences as a pioneer for Chinese basketball players.
Yao Ming was the first player of Chinese descent to become a star in the NBA, breaking through and establishing himself as one of the better big men in the league.
Why it matters for Yao Ming
Yao Ming's conversation with Hansen shows his continued influence on Chinese basketball, with several players following in his footsteps since his storied NBA career.
Hansen is one of those players, and he has already drawn attention from rival coaches and executives, despite being a raw player.
What comes next?
Yang Hansen is still young in his career, having yet to make his NBA debut, but he showed promising flashes during the NBA Summer League.
He may end up being a steal in the draft, and his conversation with Yao Ming could be a key factor in his development as a player.
And with the Blazers believing in the 20-year-old, Hansen could become a key player for the team in the future.
But for now, he is focused on showing the people in China that he is doing well, and he has a lot of pressure on him.
So he will have to work hard to live up to the expectations, and Yao Ming's advice will be crucial in helping him navigate the challenges of the NBA.
Yao Ming's legacy continues to inspire Chinese basketball players, and his conversation with Hansen is just the latest example of his impact on the sport.
As Hansen prepares for his NBA debut, he will be looking to follow in Yao Ming's footsteps and make a name for himself in the league.
With his size and vision on the court, Hansen has the potential to become a great player, and Yao Ming's advice will be invaluable in helping him achieve his goals.