Hansen Yang: The Portland Trail Blazers' Risky Yet Intriguing Draft Pick

The 2025 NBA Draft witnessed a move by the Portland Trail Blazers that sent ripples of surprise and speculation across the league: the selection of Hansen Yang. A towering 7'1" center hailing from Qingdao, China, Yang's name wasn't on many mock draft boards as a potential lottery pick, making the Blazers' decision with the 16th overall pick all the more captivating. This unexpected choice has ignited a wide range of reactions, from enthusiastic optimism to cautious skepticism. In this comprehensive analysis, we'll dissect the story of Hansen Yang, exploring his background, skill set, and the potential impact he could have on the Trail Blazers franchise.

Hansen Yang on Weibo showcases his personality and connection with fans.

The selection of Yang Hansen was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about moments of the draft. While some viewed it as a high-risk, high-reward gamble, others questioned the rationale behind picking a player who wasn't widely projected as a first-round talent. As klaygdk on Reddit put it, "he's so cute" Source, showcasing the immediate fan appeal Yang possesses.

Who is Hansen Yang?

Born in Zibo, Shandong, China, Hansen Yang is a 20-year-old center who has been making waves in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Standing at an imposing 7'1", Yang possesses a unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ that has drawn comparisons to some of the league's most versatile big men. His journey to the NBA is a testament to his dedication and hard work, overcoming cultural and competitive barriers to pursue his dream.

One Reddit user, Thelarch34, offered an interesting perspective: “I genuinely believe he is highly undervalued because he plays in the CBA, which is known as a terrible league. If his name was Harry Young instead of Hansen Yang and he played for Arizona instead of Qingdao, I don't think anyone would be questioning this pick at all." Source This highlights the potential bias against players from lesser-known leagues, and underscores the importance of evaluating talent beyond conventional scouting routes.

Skills and Potential

What makes Hansen Yang such an intriguing prospect? According to scouts and analysts, he boasts a diverse skillset that could translate well to the NBA:

Passing Vision: One of Yang's most impressive attributes is his exceptional passing ability for a big man. He demonstrates excellent court vision and can make accurate passes to teammates in various situations, making him a valuable facilitator on offense.
Touch Around the Rim: Yang possesses a soft touch around the basket, allowing him to finish plays with finesse and efficiency. His ability to score in the paint is a crucial asset for any team.
Post Moves: He showcases a variety of post moves, including hook shots, turnaround jumpers, and drop steps, making him a threat in the low post. This versatility allows him to exploit mismatches and keep defenders guessing.
Three-Point Shooting: While not his primary weapon, Yang has shown the ability to knock down three-pointers, adding another dimension to his offensive game. This stretch-five potential is highly coveted in today's NBA.
Shot Blocking: He is a good shot blocker, using his size and timing to alter and reject opponents' shots. His defensive presence in the paint can deter opponents from attacking the basket.

In a scouting report, Ersin Demir noted: “It's easy to fall in love with the highlights, but substance always prevails when evaluating NBA talent. Is the hype around Hansen Yang real? Here's all you must know about his long-term potential.” Source

Adding to the analysis, klaygdk highlighted a key comparison: “Been a fan for a while after I've seen him play in the U17 World Cup (where he dominated Alex Sarr). He's a huge Jokic fan (has him as his PFP in Weibo) and has a huge fanbase in China. I'd compare him to Domantas Sabonis.” Source This comparison to established NBA players adds to the excitement surrounding Yang's potential.

Comparisons to NBA Stars

The comparisons to Nikola Jokic are hard to ignore, especially given Yang's passing ability and court vision. However, it's important to temper expectations and recognize that Jokic is a generational talent. Other comparisons, such as Domantas Sabonis, might be more realistic, considering Yang's physicality and post-scoring prowess. Yang's ability to emulate even a fraction of Jokic's or Sabonis' impact would make him a valuable asset to the Trail Blazers.

One Reddit user, TheNotoriousMCP boldly stated, “In five seasons, he will be this generations Jokić, only without being drafted during a Taco Bell ad. He's got insane vision and good timing. Bring on Summer League.” Source While such comparisons are optimistic, they underscore the excitement surrounding Yang's potential.

The Draft Day Reaction

The Trail Blazers' decision to draft Yang at #16 was met with surprise and skepticism by many analysts and fans. Some questioned whether he was worth such a high pick, while others wondered how he would fit into a crowded frontcourt that already included Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams, and Donovan Clingan. The initial reaction was a mix of confusion and intrigue, as fans tried to understand the Blazers' rationale behind the pick.

klaygdk, reacting to the pick, simply stated, "WHAT THE HELL" Source, capturing the initial shock of many fans. This sentiment was echoed by many others who felt that Yang was a reach at #16.

Expert Analysis

Sam Vecenie and John Hollinger of The Athletic offered a more critical assessment of the pick. Vecenie expressed concerns about Yang's ability to translate his skills to the NBA due to his frame, lack of explosiveness, and lateral agility. Hollinger questioned Yang's fit with the Blazers, given their existing depth at the center position. Their analysis highlighted the potential risks associated with drafting a player who may not be ready to contribute immediately.

According to Hollinger, “The Blazers already had a surfeit of centers with Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams and 2024 lottery pick Donovan Clingan, so it’s even clear what Yang’s pathway is to minutes in Portland. I do not get this at all.” Source This raises legitimate questions about the team's strategy and how Yang will carve out a role for himself.

The Chinese Connection

Yang's selection has generated significant buzz in China, where he is already a well-known figure. Many Chinese fans are excited about the prospect of seeing another homegrown player make an impact in the NBA, following in the footsteps of Yao Ming. Yang's success could inspire a new generation of Chinese basketball players and further strengthen the connection between the NBA and the Chinese market.

One Reddit user, iLaker24, shared their excitement: “As a Chinese fan, I’m super excited that Blazers drafted Hansen. I really enjoyed Blazers game during the DAME era, even bought a Lillard jersey. Now it’s time to be full time Blazer fan!” Source This highlights the potential for Yang to attract a large fanbase from China.

CNN also covered Yang's draft, noting, “'Chinese Jokic’ Yang Hansen selected at 16th pick in NBA draft." Source This media attention further underscores the significance of Yang's selection for Chinese basketball.

The Rich Paul Factor

Hansen Yang is represented by Rich Paul, one of the most influential agents in the NBA. Paul's involvement could play a significant role in Yang's development and career trajectory. Paul's connections and expertise could help Yang navigate the challenges of the NBA and maximize his potential.

A Reddit post highlighted this connection: “Hansen Yang shows appreciation to his agent Rich Paul after he gets drafted at #16 overall.” Source The video accompanying the post shows Yang's gratitude towards Paul, suggesting a strong relationship between the two.

Duop Reath Connection

Interestingly, Duop Reath, another player on the Trail Blazers roster, played with Yang Hansen in China three years ago. This existing relationship could help Yang acclimate to his new team and environment. Having a familiar face in the locker room could ease Yang's transition to the NBA and help him build chemistry with his teammates.

Tall_Author4179 pointed out, “Duop Reath played with Yang Hansen in China 3 years ago” Source, providing a statistical comparison between the two during their time in the CBA. This prior connection adds another layer of intrigue to Yang's arrival in Portland.

Draft Workout Insights

The Trail Blazers clearly saw something in Yang during his draft workout that convinced them to use their first-round pick on him. A video of the workout showcases his skills and potential. Yang's performance in the workout likely outweighed concerns about his draft projection and solidified the Blazers' belief in his potential.

Yang Hansen Draft Workout showcases his potential as a versatile big man.

As 40_Is_Not_Old observed, “This is the interesting stuff that starts coming out after the draft. Yang clearly impressed Portland during the workout.” Source This suggests that Yang's performance in the workout outweighed concerns about his draft projection.

Concerns and Challenges

Despite the excitement surrounding Yang's potential, there are legitimate concerns about his ability to succeed in the NBA. His lack of explosiveness and lateral agility could make it difficult for him to defend against quicker, more athletic opponents. Additionally, his high-hipped frame could limit his mobility and overall athleticism. These concerns highlight the challenges that Yang will face in adapting to the speed and physicality of the NBA.

One Reddit user, mallardpropschisms, shared excerpts from The Athletic's analysis, highlighting these concerns: “I worry that it’s going to be hard for Yang to actualize those things in the NBA because of his high-hipped frame, lack of explosiveness and lack of lateral ability... I just don’t buy Yang enough as a shooter and don’t buy the functionality of his game enough against the best athletes in the world.” Source

A Crowded Frontcourt

Another challenge facing Yang is the crowded frontcourt in Portland. With Ayton, Williams, and Clingan already on the roster, it's unclear how Yang will get consistent playing time. He'll need to prove himself quickly and demonstrate that he can contribute in meaningful ways to earn a spot in the rotation. The competition for minutes will be fierce, and Yang will need to impress the coaching staff to earn his place in the team's rotation.

HondaCivicBaby expressed concerns about this logjam, stating, “They have 3 Center Already Ayton, Robert Williams, Donovan clingan.” Source This highlights the challenge that Yang faces in finding minutes and establishing himself in Portland.

The Road Ahead

The selection of Hansen Yang is undoubtedly a bold move by the Portland Trail Blazers. Whether it pays off remains to be seen. Yang possesses a unique skillset and intriguing potential, but he also faces significant challenges in terms of athleticism, fit, and competition for playing time. The Blazers' coaching staff will play a crucial role in developing Yang's skills and helping him adapt to the NBA game.

Yang Hansen Workout for Timberwolves highlights his versatility and potential.

Ultimately, Yang's success will depend on his work ethic, adaptability, and the Trail Blazers' ability to develop his unique skillset. Whether he becomes the next Jokic or a solid backup, one thing is certain: Hansen Yang has captured the attention of the NBA world, and his journey in Portland will be closely watched. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Yang's career unfolds and whether he can live up to the hype.

As Damezang put it, “Seems like he has some skills against decent competition. Gonna be a logjam at the 5, but maybe he is a steal. We hope at least.” Source Only time will tell if that hope turns into reality.

The basketball community is buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how this "Chinese Jokic" will fare in the dynamic landscape of the NBA. Whether Hansen Yang will rise to become a league legend or simply add an intriguing chapter to the Portland Trail Blazers' history, his story is one that is sure to captivate fans and analysts alike. His journey represents the global reach of basketball and the potential for players from all backgrounds to make their mark on the sport.

The Blazers' gamble on Hansen Yang encapsulates the essence of the NBA Draft – a blend of calculated risk, high hopes, and the tantalizing possibility of discovering the next big thing. As the 2025-2026 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Portland, as Hansen Yang embarks on his journey to prove himself in the world's most competitive basketball league. His performance will be closely scrutinized, and his success or failure will be a testament to the Blazers' scouting and development abilities.

The Trail Blazers' decision to draft Hansen Yang is a testament to their belief in his potential and their willingness to take risks in pursuit of greatness. Whether Yang blossoms into a star or remains a promising prospect, his arrival in Portland has undoubtedly injected a fresh dose of excitement and intrigue into the franchise. As the season unfolds, fans will eagerly await the opportunity to witness Yang's growth and development, hoping that he can defy expectations and become a valuable asset for the Trail Blazers. His journey represents the hopes and dreams of countless young basketball players around the world.

Furthermore, the selection of Yang highlights the global reach of the NBA and the increasing importance of international scouting. As the league continues to expand its horizons, players from diverse backgrounds and basketball cultures are finding opportunities to showcase their talents on the world's biggest stage. Yang's journey from Qingdao to Portland is a testament to the power of basketball to transcend borders and unite people from all corners of the globe. His success could pave the way for more international players to follow in his footsteps.

In conclusion, the selection of Hansen Yang by the Portland Trail Blazers is a captivating story filled with potential, risk, and the promise of something special. Whether he becomes a franchise cornerstone or a valuable role player, his journey in the NBA is sure to be one worth watching. As the basketball world eagerly anticipates his debut, one thing is certain: Hansen Yang has arrived, and he's ready to make his mark. His story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck. The Trail Blazers have taken a chance on Hansen Yang, and now it's up to him to prove them right.