Who is Yang Hansen? Here's what you need to know about Portland Trail Blazers' shocking first-round pick
Yang Hansen. Image via: AP
The Portland Trail Blazers delivered one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Chinese center Yang Hansen with the 16th overall pick. In a move that stunned analysts and fans alike, Portland made a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire the pick, passing on higher-ranked prospects.
Hansen, who had been projected as a second-round selection, now becomes the first Chinese-born player to be drafted in the first round since Yi Jianlian in 2007.
Chinese basketball prospect Yang Hansen joined the Portland Trail Blazers
Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-2 center from the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), heard his name called early. Yet the Trail Blazers saw something others didn't, trading down from the 11th overall pick to secure him at No. 16. The Grizzlies used Portland's original pick to select Washington State forward Cedric Coward, while the Blazers took a major swing by grabbing Hansen.
Hansen's resume in China is already loaded. He was named CBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and he earned All-Star honors in both of his seasons with Qingdao. He also captured the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season.
Statistically, Hansen averaged 15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during his two seasons in the CBA. His final year was even more productive, as he put up 16.2 points, 10 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks over 53 games, according to RealGM.
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Despite his accolades, Hansen's jump to the
NBA
will come with significant adjustments. While he thrived in China, concerns remain about how he'll handle the speed, physicality, and skill of NBA-level competition. His perimeter shot is still a work in progress, but there have been flashes of range that give scouts hope he could develop into a stretch big.
Still, Hansen's combination of size, vision, and touch has drawn lofty comparisons.
According to Jake Fischer, citing a source from the Denver Nuggets, Portland might be adding 'the Chinese [Nikola] Jokić.' That's a massive label.
Also Read:
NBA Draft 2025: San Antonio Spurs pick No. 2 overall Dylan Harper to form dynamic duo with Victor Wembanyama
Born in 2005, Hansen celebrated his 20th birthday the day after the draft. His surprise rise marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Chinese-born player drafted in the first round since Yi Jianlian went sixth overall in 2007.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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