New video shows just how unexpected Yang Hansen NBA draft pick was
Many didn't have Qingdado center Yang Hansen being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Even the 7-foot-1 center appeared taken aback when his name was called as the No. 16 pick by the Grizzlies — before being traded to the Trail Blazers — at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday night.
Hansen, who was projected to go in the middle of the second round, was sitting in the stands and appeared to have a delayed reaction when his moment came, as seen in a video on social media.
He quickly stood up and raised his arm before he shuffled with his white suit jacket, attempting to button it before greeting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the stage.
5 Qingdado center Yang Hansen reacts to being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025.
X/NickVanExit
Hansen shared a moment with Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul — whose agency reps the prospect and other NBA stars such as LeBron James and Draymond Green — while on his way to the stage.
The pair was all smiles as they shared a handshake and a hug.
5 Qingdado center Yang Hansen reacts to being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025.
X/NickVanExit
Memphis traded its 16th overall pick to Portland in exchange for the No. 11 overall pick (Cedric Coward), and the Blazers also received a 2028 first-round selection and two future second-round picks.
Hansen led the Chinese Basketball Association in blocks and ranked in the top 10 in field goal percentage during the 2024-25 season.
5 Qingdado center Yang Hansen shares a moment with Klutch Sports founder and agent Rich Paul after being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025.
X/ESPN
He won the CBA rookie of the year in 2024, and was named All-CBA Domestic First Team and made the CBA All-Star team in both 2024 and 2025.
Hansen earned CBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024.
NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote on X, 'A Nuggets source just texted me: 'Chinese Jokic,' about the Blazers' surprise selection,' referring to three-time NBA MVP and Denver center Nikola Jokic.
5 Yang Hansen looks on after being drafted sixteenth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2025 NBA Draft – Round One on June 25, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
NBAE via Getty Images
5 Yang Hansen poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 16th by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York.
AP
The Blazers were intentional about their interest in Hansen.
Portland became 'intrigued' by Hansen's game in 2023, specifically while he played for China during the FIBA U19 World Cup, according to ESPN, which reported the Blazers plan to begin Hansen's development 'immediately' by bringing him to the United States.
Follow The Post's coverage of the 2025 NBA Draft
The pick caught many pundits by surprise, with one NBA executive telling Clutch Points: 'That is the wildest pick I've ever seen. Those jobs up there are on the line.'
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