The 2025 NBA Draft took an unexpected turn when the Portland Trail Blazers selected Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 center from China, with the 16th overall pick. This surprising choice came after a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies and caught many experts off guard, as Hansen was not widely considered a first-round talent.
Basketball analyst Matt Norlander expressed his shock, rating the pick a 9.5 on the surprise scale, indicating that it was one of the most unexpected selections of the night. He noted that many people in the league were left questioning Portland’s decision. One NBA executive even remarked that this pick could put jobs at risk, highlighting the high stakes involved.
Hansen, who is just 19 years old, has spent the last two seasons playing in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). During his time there, he averaged 15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.4 blocks over 96 games. Despite his impressive stats, he was not included in many pre-draft predictions, which added to the surprise of his selection.
This draft marked a significant moment for Hansen, who became the first player from China to be picked in the NBA Draft since Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin in 2016. After being selected by the Grizzlies, he was quickly traded to the Trail Blazers, raising further questions about the team’s strategy.
Analysts believe Hansen has the potential to become a star in the NBA, but he will need to add muscle to compete effectively at the professional level. His journey from the CBA to the NBA will be closely watched as he works to adapt to the new challenges ahead.
The Trail Blazers’ choice has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, wondering what the future holds for Hansen in Portland. As the dust settles on the draft, it remains to be seen how this bold pick will play out in the coming season.