Center of attention

He clearly knows how far away he remains, measured against the benchmark of a qualified rotation player in his rookie season, and where to push to improve.

"I have some conditioning problems and rebounding problems. And, once I got tired, I couldn't feel my legs and I became a liability for the team," Yang said after Portland's 96-86 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in his second summer league game.

"I need to work harder, get stronger and improve in every aspect. The low-post play is much tougher here. It's a really big challenge for my conditioning. I really need time to adapt to the new pace."

Although it's too soon to predict whether Yang could fill the big shoes left by his legendary compatriot Yao Ming, an eight-time NBA All-Star, pundits in the US just cannot wait to see the huge attention the young phenom pulls from the East.

"He's definitely going to bring a fan base with him to Portland," Chris Mannix, a senior writer with Sports Illustrated, said during a podcast with former ESPN commentator Rachel Nichols.

Nichols, who'd openly questioned Portland's pick of Yang right after the draft, now sings the praises of the club's smart move.

"I think the team drafts the best player they think will fit. But, it is a nice extra that he has this great personality, (and) that he will bring with him an entirely new fan base (from China). It's a nice bonus," she said.

"We saw an echo effect with Yao Ming back in the day. This echo effect around the franchise, again not why they drafted him, obviously, (but it) is a nice bonus."

The next Yao, or the next Jokic? Yang seems to only care about how to become a better version of himself.

"Eat well, sleep well," Yang said of his post-practice and off-day routines, adding with a smile, "and no PS5."

Jiang Xinyu contributed to this story.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn