US media commented on the 5 major rookies! Yang Hansen shines in the summer league, and the Spurs win a defensive expert

On July 17, US media Bleacher Report reporter Andy Bailey selected five major rookies based on his performance in the summer league. The Trail Blazers' No. 16 pick Yang Hansen ranked among them, and the Spurs No. 14 pick Carter Bryant was also on the list.

Yang Hansen (16th pick in the Trail Blazers)

In the weeks before the draft, Yang Hansen began to become a hot topic for second-round picks. A few days before the draft, it was rumored that Yang Hansen might enter the first round. It was undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the night when he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers at the 16th pick. As it turns out, this draft is worth the money.

Yang Hansen's pace speed does have some questions compared to NBA players. These questions may continue for a while, but there should be little doubt about his speed of handling the game. This, coupled with his vision and passing ability, is enough to make him a real offensive weapon. No wonder he has been called "China Jokic".

Although it is unlikely that Yang will get MVP multiple times, he seems to have the skills needed to be a high-level offensive fulcrum. In the three games of the Summer League, Yang Hansen scored in double digits and had many highlights.

Carter Bryant (Spurs 14th overall)

In three games in Las Vegas, Carter Bryant made only 3 of 24 shots. Moreover, he has made almost nothing in possession of the ball.

But Carter Bryant was taken as if he was taking a bargain at the 14th pick, thanks to his truly dominant perimeter defense.

He has amazing lateral movement speed and excellent wingspan, which allows him to be at ease in defense. These traits also helped him create amazing blocks (2.9 per 100 rounds) and steals (2.8 per 100 rounds) during college, which should translate into a strong defense in a roster that already has Vampan Yama.

Even if Bryant averaged more than 4-5 points per game as a rookie in the 2025-26 season, he was still able to have a significant positive impact on the overall situation. The Spurs are just in need of defensive masters, and Bryant has the potential to become a defensive master.

Liam McNeley (29th overall pick in the Hornets)

Liam McNeley once ranked 10th in the U.S. high school list, but he performed poorly at the University of Connecticut, shooting only 38.1% from the field in his freshman year. He eventually fell to the 29th pick in the draft. However, in the summer league, McNealy looks like she has completely returned to her high school five-star player style.

In Las Vegas debut, McNealy scored 22 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. McNealy has the opportunity to become an important rotation player next season.

Jes Richardson (25th overall pick in the Magic)

Jes Richardson was not as popular as McNealy when he graduated from high school, but he is still a four-star rookie and the son of Jason Richardson, who ranked in the top 200 in NBA history in his career.

Richardson Jr. is short, but he has strong shooting skills. Richardson Jr. scored 19 points in his first game, made 2 of 3-pointers and created nine free throws. Richardson Jr. has a chance to be a major substitute for the Magic next season.

Nick Clifford (Kings 24th overall)

Before the draft, "age" was usually considered a big blow to rookies, and 23-year-old Nick Clifford undoubtedly met this standard.

Clifford went to college for 5 years, and his experience turned into a mature and patient game style. The rookie may be able to immediately integrate into the Kings' lineup of veterans.

The 23-year-old scored 17 points in his debut, 8-for-13 in the second game, and 19 points in his third game, and 7-for-8 in the third game. Clifford looks like the typical wing player who can play for a long time in the NBA.