Hansen Yang: Portland’s Surprise Pick with Big Potential

The Portland Trail Blazers shocked the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting 7-foot-1 Chinese center Hansen Yang with the 16th overall pick. While the move surprised many—especially NBA analysts unfamiliar with his name—those who followed the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and youth FIBA tournaments knew it was no fluke.

Yang, who played for the Qingdao Eagles, impressed with his high basketball IQ, court vision, and passing ability. Averaging 16.2 points, 10 rebounds, and nearly 3 assists per game, he’s been compared to a young Nikola Jokić due to his feel for the game and elite passing as a big man. He also averaged 2.7 blocks per game, earning Rookie of the Year honors twice and Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.

However, Yang isn’t without flaws. His foot speed and lateral mobility are concerns, limiting his versatility on defense. Scouts project him more as a drop-coverage big like Brook Lopez rather than a switchable defender.

Despite this, Portland—led by GM Joe Cronin and scout Mike Schmitz—had been tracking Yang since 2023 and believe he can develop into a smart, modern center. He’ll likely start slow, but with the right development, he could become a key piece of Portland’s young core.

Not flashy, but effective—Hansen Yang might just be the draft’s smartest gamble.

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