PORTLAND, OR – The Portland Trail Blazers’ front office made waves at the NBA Draft, defying expectations with a surprising pick.
In a move that has left fans and analysts alike in shock, the Portland Trail Blazers traded their No. 11 pick for future draft assets and the No. 16 pick, selecting Yang Hansen, a relatively unknown 7-foot-1 center from China. This decision comes just days after a controversial trade, signaling that the Blazers’ management is unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom.
Immediate Impact
The selection of Hansen, who was not even projected to be a first-round pick, has been met with mixed reactions. Portland’s General Manager Joe Cronin addressed the media in Tualatin, expressing confidence in their choice despite the unconventional nature of the pick.
“For us, it was too important to get him,” Cronin stated. “We decided to do what some would call a reach. We decided to take that swing. … It shows what we thought of him.”
Key Details Emerge
The Blazers are touting Hansen as a center with exceptional passing skills and a reliable shooting stroke, complemented by his impressive size. His selection is the result of two years of intensive scouting by the organization.
Cronin revealed that Hansen first caught the team’s attention in the fall of 2023 during an under-18 event. Subsequent visits by assistant GMs Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva to China confirmed their interest, leading to the eventual draft pick.
By the Numbers
Hansen’s 2025 season with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association saw him average:
- 16.6 points
- 10.5 rebounds
- 3.0 assists
- 2.6 blocks per game
Shooting: 58.6% from the field, 33.3% on 3-pointers
Industry Response
While the Blazers stand by their decision, the selection has been polarizing. Many fans, accustomed to following mock drafts, were taken aback by Hansen’s unexpected rise. The surprise was compounded by an intriguing comment from NBA reporter Jake Fischer, who relayed a source’s description of Hansen as a “Chinese Jokic.”
This comparison to Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ star center, adds a layer of intrigue and hope to the Blazers’ bold choice.
Background Context
The Blazers’ scouting department has been monitoring Hansen for over two years, initially hoping he would enter the previous year’s draft. His decision to remain in China for another season allowed the Blazers to further evaluate his potential.
Cronin emphasized the strategic advantage gained from early identification and thorough scouting, which underpinned their decision to target Hansen at the No. 16 spot.
What Comes Next
As Hansen prepares to join the Blazers, the front office remains optimistic about his potential impact on the team. Cronin acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in Hansen’s ability to adapt and succeed in the NBA.
“It’s extremely difficult to find a young player of that stature with this skillset,” Cronin said. “It might take him a little time, but as he figures out the speed and pace of our game, I wouldn’t put a ceiling on him. He’s that talented.”
While the decision has sparked debate, the Blazers are committed to their vision and hope fans will trust their long-term strategy. The ultimate success of this gamble will only be determined with time as Hansen develops within the league.