Avdija: Using the word "intuition" to describe Yang Hansen. My Mandarin is getting pretty good now.

On October 22nd Beijing time, Trail Blazers player Avdija was interviewed after practice, where he discussed Yang Hansen and demonstrated his Chinese skills. Below is the full interview transcript —

Reporter: If you were to sum up Hansen in a single word, having known him for quite some time, which word would you pick?

Avdija: Wow, there are so many words that could describe him, but if I must choose only one... it would be "intuition." His instincts are very sharp, especially since I’ve played basketball relying heavily on intuition since I was young. I’m that kind of player myself. Seeing a big man with such court intuition is truly exciting.

Reporter: You are becoming increasingly popular in China, with many fans following you. How do you feel about this?

Avdija: Thank you, I really appreciate it. I like China a lot, and my Mandarin is getting quite good now. For example, I know "right hand" means the right side, so whenever Hansen comes to set a screen, I shout "right hand! right hand!" in Chinese. And "left hand," right? I’m still improving and will get better and better.

Reporter: Did you know Hansen is currently driving a used car? What do you think about that?

Avdija: Wow, first of all, I’m happy he finally started driving. But don’t learn driving from me, my skills aren’t very good. Still, seeing him driving around Portland excites me.

Yang Hansen’s best preseason performance was closely linked to Avdija’s multiple brilliant passes. This forward is also gaining more popularity in China. In the new season, Avdija will be a starter for the Trail Blazers, and he has repeatedly expressed his willingness to help Hansen integrate into the NBA quickly, while also learning Chinese to speed up the process.