In a surprising move that caught the NBA world off guard, Chinese basketball player Yang Hansen became the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, heading to the Portland Trail Blazers. The center was technically selected by the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 16, but will land in Portland as part of a trade. The Blazers had initially traded their No. 11 pick to the Grizzlies, who then used it to draft Washington State's Cedric Coward. Portland subsequently acquired the No. 16 pick, which they utilized to select Yang.

Yang's selection in the first round, particularly near the lottery range, was a significant shock, as he was widely projected by most draft experts to be chosen during Thursday night's second round. ESPN had him ranked at No. 35 on their final big board, while The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie placed him at No. 48. Despite these projections, the Blazers clearly saw immense potential in the young big man, opting to roll the dice with the versatile 7-footer from China, just a year after drafting Donovan Clingan.

Turning 20 on June 26, Yang, a 7'1" center, has already made a name for himself in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he played for the Qingdao Eagles. He made his professional basketball debut in 2023 and quickly garnered accolades. In 2024, he was named the CBA's Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, and has been an All-Star in each of the last two seasons. In his pre-draft season with Qingdao, he showcased impressive statistics, averaging 16.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game over 53 appearances, leading the CBA in blocked shots. He also demonstrated excellent touch around the rim, shooting 59.5% from the floor.

While his size undeniably makes him a formidable presence at the NBA level, his upside is further amplified by his touch around the rim and intriguing secondary playmaking potential. Although he did not shoot a high volume of three-pointers last season, he has flashed the ability to knock down shots from beyond the perimeter, a skill that could be further developed over time. Despite being named CBA Defensive Player of the Year, his defense remains his biggest question mark as he transitions to the NBA, requiring him to adjust to a much faster pace and defend against the world's elite athletes. However, the potential is undeniable, with one NBA insider's source referring to Yang as a "Chinese Nikola Jokic." Yang also impressed scouts during the NBA draft combine scrimmages, standing out among his peers.

The Blazers' decision to select Yang in the first round reflects a long-term strategic play, granting them an extra year of team control for his development within the organization. While they might have secured similar contract terms with a later first-round pick, the move suggests the front office may have received intelligence that other teams were interested in Yang earlier than anticipated. Yang’s fit in Portland’s current center rotation, which includes Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams, and Deandre Ayton, appears logical. With Clingan potentially serving as the future rim protector, Yang brings a more offensive-first approach and a diverse skillset that could be challenging to acquire through free agency or trade markets.