Yang Hansen: The Chinese Center Shaking the NBA – A Deep Dive into the 16th Pick Surprise

Explore Yang Hansen’s rise from Qingdao to the NBA—analyzing his draft stock, skill set, potential impact on the Trail Blazers, and future in the U.S. pro game.

Introduction

In June 2025, the Portland Trail Blazers stunned basketball fans by selecting 7’1″ Chinese center Yang Hansen with the 16th overall pick—a choice few projected. Dubbed a player with “star potential,” his trajectory from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) to the NBA promises to be a compelling narrative for U.S. audiences.

From Qingdao to Portland: Career Overview

• Born June 26, 2005, in Zibo, Shandong, China; stands 218 cm and weighs ~117 kg raptorshq.com+11en.wikipedia.org+11blazersedge.com+11.
• Joined Qingdao Eagles in 2023; earned CBA Defensive Player of the Year, two-time CBA All-Star, and back‑to‑back Rookie of the Year (2024, 2025) en.wikipedia.org+1blazersedge.com+1.
• In his CBA debut season: around 16 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.6 BPG on 59.5% shooting .

The Draft Day Shock

• Initially projected mid‑second round; experts like ESPN had him around pick 36, The Ringer at 40 youtube.com+15sbnation.com+15raptorshq.com+15.
• Portland traded down from pick 11 to 16 via Memphis and selected Hansen—a move that “completely shocked the basketball world” youtube.com+6sbnation.com+6sports.yahoo.com+6.

Skill Set & Comparable Players

1. Passing Ability
   • Forecourt vision reminiscent of Nikola Jokic; one NBA source labeled him “Chinese Jokic” sbnation.com.
2. Rim Protection & Mobility
   • Strong rim deterrent and mobile for his size; mobility and strength against physical bigs are areas for growth youtube.com+1youtube.com+1sbnation.com+5raptorshq.com+5slcdunk.com+5.
3. Shooting & Offense
   • Capable 3-point threat (33% in CBA) but inconsistent youtube.com+15raptorshq.com+15sbnation.com+15. Moves well post-up and plays smart with the ball.

Blazers’ Roster Fit & Strategy

• Portland now has a deep center rotation: Ayton, Clingan, Williams, Reath, and Hansen reddit.com+15blazersedge.com+15youtube.com+15.
• The front office appears to be investing in “project bigs” with long-term upside rather than immediate role players.
• NBA analyst Ricky O’Donnell graded the pick poorly, citing redundancy, but others praised the Blazers’ bold, high-upside gamble sbnation.com.

Potential Upside & Risks

Upside:

• Unique blend of size, passing, shot-blocking, and mobility.
• Could develop into a playmaking, stretch 7′ center—an increasingly valuable archetype.

Risks:

• The jump from CBA to NBA is steep; needs to build strength and adapt emotionally.
• Floor spacing and quickness against NBA pivots remain concerns.

What to Watch in Year One

• Pre-season and Summer League: Key for evaluating adaptation level.
• Physical development: Muscle, conditioning, stamina.
• Role clarity: Early usage around the rim, pick-and-rolls, rotational minutes.

FAQs

What were Yang Hansen’s CBA stats?
He averaged approximately 16 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.6 BPG, with a 33% 3-point rate and 59.5% FG raptorshq.com.

Why was his draft pick a surprise?
He was largely projected in the mid-second round, and ESPN didn’t even include him in their top‑35 prospect list .

What’s the “Chinese Jokic” label based on?
A Nuggets source cited his passing and playmaking at his size; though considered hyperbolic, it underscores his unique skill set en.wikipedia.org+15sbnation.com+15blazersedge.com+15.

Does Portland have too many big men?
Critics worry about redundancy, but Blazers GM Joe Cronin is reportedly aiming for a rotation with complementing skillsets slcdunk.com.

What’s a realistic rookie season outlook?
Likely limited minutes, with rotational duty as he adapts—if he shows early impact, that enhances projected upside.

How does his game translate to the U.S.?
Strong CBA tape shows high basketball IQ and footwork; will need to adjust to the NBA’s physicality and pace.

Is he the highest Chinese pick since…?
Yes—the highest since Yi Jianlian in 2006 .

Did he attend the green room on draft night?
No—he was in the stands and had to walk up after his name was called instagram.com.

What do Blazers fans think?
Mixed reactions: some call it risky, others excited, especially those who value playmaking bigs .

Will he play in the Summer League?
Yes—expect him to get valuable minutes to showcase strengths and identify areas for development.

What is his positional ceiling?
Analysts suggest he could develop into a stretch 5 or “do‑it‑all” center with skillset comparable to Alperen Şengün blazersedge.com.

The selection of Yang Hansen marks a strategic pivot for Portland—betting heavily on untapped upside and unique skill sets. Whether “Chinese Jokic” becomes reality or a development project remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Yang Hansen is a name NBA fans in the U.S. will be watching closely.

Official sources for further reading:
– ESPN player profile
– Wikipedia draft background

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