The Trail Blazers have been penalized by the NBA for making early contact with Yang Hansen before his draft eligibility, receiving a $100K fine, the league announced.
Assistant general managers Sergi Oliva and Mike Schmitz were also suspended for two weeks without pay.
Portland responded by acknowledging the situation and noting that it had self-reported the violation.
“When this was brought to our attention the Portland Trail Blazers self reported to the NBA. The team cooperated fully with the investigation and accept the league’s determination,” the team said, via Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report.
Hansen’s selection at No. 16 overall last year surprised some, but the organization said it had been monitoring him closely and believed in his long-term potential.
The 20-year-old center previously starred for the Qingdao Eagles in China and has drawn comparisons to Yao Ming and Nikola Jokic.
In his rookie season, Hansen has played a limited role with Portland, appearing in 41 games and averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.2 minutes per contest.
He has been more productive in the G League, averaging 17.1 points and 9.1 rebounds with the Rip City Remix.
Trail Blazers Fined $100K For Illegal Contact With Yang Hansen; Two Executives Suspended pic.twitter.com/mdmdqwcS3x
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