The Portland Trail Blazers officially introduced their 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, 7-foot-1 Chinese center Yang Hansen, to the city of Portland on Friday. Yang, who turned 20 on Thursday, quickly endeared himself to local media and fans with his candid personality, expressing his interests outside of basketball as sleeping, playing PS5, and eating. His playful humor was also evident when he joked about hoping to kick out his interpreter at future press conferences once he mastered English.

While some experts were surprised by Yang's early selection at No. 16, the Trail Blazers had been scouting him for two years. Portland's general manager, Joe Cronin, highlighted the immense value in the trade that brought Yang to the Blazers. The team acquired Yang's draft rights, along with a 2028 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick, from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the draft rights to guard Cedric Coward. Cronin described Yang as a "very, very unique talent" with great size, a high-end skillset, and exceptional basketball IQ. He praised Yang's ability to pass, his functionality in the post, his potential to step out for perimeter jump shots, and his intelligence and versatility defensively. Yang, who was seated in the stands on draft night and admitted he was surprised by his early selection, found comparisons to NBA legends Nikola Jokic and fellow countryman Yao Ming to be a great honor, stating he aims to learn from every good player to improve daily.

During his two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in China's top professional league, Yang Hansen averaged 16.6 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups expressed strong confidence in Yang, noting that the young center has been "taught the right way." Billups indicated that many fundamental aspects he typically teaches young players would not be necessary for Yang, praising his competitive fire and his ability to play the game correctly and make teammates better. While acknowledging that Yang will need to adjust to the NBA's pace, physicality, and talent level, and learn Portland's offensive and defensive systems, Billups views Yang as "ready to go" rather than a "project" player. Yang himself recognizes the need to become faster, stronger, and more physical in the post.

Despite Portland's crowded center rotation, which includes Deandre Ayton, Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Duop Reath, Billups is confident that Yang will make an impact when given the opportunity. He anticipates an "incredible educational year" for the rookie and expects impressive performances when Yang gets on the court. Yang's endearing personality, including his appreciation for Portland's rainy weather as a great sleeping environment, is already winning over fans, suggesting he is well-poised to become a fan favorite in Rip City.