2025 NBA Draft: Yang Hansen Selected
In a stunning development during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers secured the services of Yang Hansen, a center from China, with their 16th overall selection. This acquisition came about through a trade executed with the Memphis Grizzlies, which NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed would be formally completed shortly thereafter.
Hansen’s Unexpected Journey
As his 20th birthday approaches this Thursday, Hansen was not anticipated to go as early as the first round, with many experts predicting him to be a mid-to-late second-round choice. Unique to the event, he was not invited to the Green Room typically reserved for top prospects, resulting in him sitting in the stands where the announcement of his name caught him off-guard, and the hat he donned failed to fit correctly due to him not being measured like other players.
A Historic Moment for Chinese Basketball
Hansen’s selection marks a significant moment in NBA history as he becomes the first player from China to be drafted in the first round since Yi Jianlian in 2007, making him the third-highest drafted player from the country, following the esteemed Yao Ming, who was the first overall pick in 2002.
The Blazers’ Roster Dynamics
The Blazers’ roster already boasts noteworthy talent at the center position, including former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton and last year’s seventh pick, Donovan Clingan, along with experienced player Robert Williams III.
Hansen’s Impressive Stats
During his tenure with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association over the last two seasons, Hansen showcased impressive statistics, averaging 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while also securing an average of 2.6 blocks. His three-point shooting percentage stood at 33.3%, which contributed to his rising status among draft analysts, even though most maintained reservations about his first-round potential.
Trade Details
The Blazers obtained this 16th overall pick from Memphis after trading away their own 11th pick, alongside securing a future first-round selection and two additional second-round picks as part of the arrangement.
