Portland Trail Blazers Stun NBA Draft with Yang hansen Selection
In a stunning move at the 2025 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Chinese center Yang Hansen with the 16th overall pick. The selection of Yang Hansen was made official on Thursday, June 26, sending shockwaves through the league and draft analysts alike.
Commissioner Adam silver announced the pick, technically made by the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a prior trade agreement that the Blazers orchestrated, acquiring the No. 16 selection in exchange for the 11th pick, along with a 2028 first-round pick and two second-round picks.
Unexpected Selection Raises Eyebrows
Yang, who turns 20 today, June 27, was projected to be a second-round pick, making Portland’s decision all the more surprising. He was not among the prospects invited to the Green Room, and his surprise was evident as his hat didn’t fit properly-a detail usually addressed for top prospects during pre-draft measurements.
This pick marks the first time a Chinese-born player has been selected in the first round as Yi Jianlian in 2007, and Yang becomes the third-highest draft pick ever from China, following Yao Ming, who was selected first overall in 2002.
Hansen Joins Crowded Center Roster
Yang will be joining a Blazers team already featuring several established centers, including former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, last year’s No. 7 pick Donovan Clingan, and veteran Robert Williams III. This raises questions about Yang’s potential playing time and role within the team.
Prior to the draft, Yang played for the Qingdao Eagles in the chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for two seasons. Last season,he posted averages of 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds,and 3.0 assists, along with 2.6 blocks per game, while shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Draft Analysts Weigh In
While considered a rising prospect, few predicted Yang would be a first-round pick. “At the end of the day, this was beyond (my) wildest imagination,” Yang stated through his interpreter, adding he expected to be drafted closer to the end of the first round.
Did You Know? The average career length for an NBA player is roughly 4.5 years.How will Yang’s unique skill set translate to longevity in the league?
NBA Readiness and Potential Concerns
Yang possesses intriguing skills, especially his passing vision and touch around the rim for a player of his size. However, concerns exist regarding his frame, lack of explosiveness, and lateral agility, which could hinder his ability to translate his skills against NBA-level athleticism.
Defense is another significant question mark. While his offensive skills are promising, his ability to defend against the league’s top athletes remains to be seen.
Yang Hansen’s Fit with Portland
The selection of Yang raises immediate questions about team fit. With an already crowded frontcourt, it’s unclear how yang will carve out a role for himself in Portland. Some analysts view the pick as a significant reach, particularly given the other available talent at No. 16.
The acquisition of Yang Hansen also raises questions about the long-term strategy of the Trail Blazers. How does he fit into their future plans alongside Ayton, Clingan, and Williams?
| Player | Position | Acquired |
|---|---|---|
| Deandre Ayton | Center | trade |
| Donovan Clingan | Center | draft (2024) |
| Robert Williams III | Center | Trade |
| Yang Hansen | Center | Draft (2025) |
Analyzing NBA Draft Surprises Over the Years
NBA drafts are known for their unpredictable moments, where teams occasionally deviate from projections and select players that surprise analysts and fans alike. These picks often become talking points, sparking debates about potential, fit, and team strategy.
For example, in the 2003 NBA Draft, the Detroit pistons selected darko Milicic with the second overall pick, ahead of future stars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. While Milicic had a decent NBA career, he never lived up to the expectations set by his high draft position.
In a similar vein, Anthony Bennett was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013. He is widely considered one of the biggest draft busts in NBA history,failing to make a significant impact in the league.
selecting Yang Hansen represents a bold move by the Trail Blazers. Onyl time will tell if it pays off or joins the list of surprising draft-day decisions.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on how Hansen develops his defensive skills and shooting consistency. These will be critical for his NBA success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yang Hansen and the NBA Draft
What are your thoughts on the Trail Blazers’ selection of Yang Hansen? Share your predictions in the comments below!
