Blazers Fined, Assistant GMs Suspended for Illegal Contact with Yang Hansen Before NBA Draft
The NBA has fined the Portland Trail Blazers $100,000 and suspended Assistant General Managers Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva for two weeks without pay for violating the league rules governing contact with draft-ineligible players in connection to the team’s scouting of rookie Yang Hansen in December 2023.
The NBA released this statement on Wednesday announcing the fine and suspensions:
The NBA announced today that the Portland Trail Blazers have been fined $100,000, and Assistant General Managers Sergi Oliva and Mike Schmitz have each been suspended for two weeks without pay for violating league rules governing contact with draft-ineligible players in connection with the team’s scouting of Yang Hansen in December 2023.
“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 Blazers selected Yang with the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The selection made him the highest drafted player from China since 2007. Yang has appeared in 41 games this season, averaging 2.3 points and 7.2 minutes per game.
Blazer’s Edge will have more on this story as it develops.
