The NBA draft brought excitement as the Portland Trail Blazers made headlines by selecting Cedric Coward with the No. 11 pick on 2025-06-26 05:29:00. However, they quickly traded his rights to Memphis, opting instead for 7-foot-1 center Yang Hansen from China with the No. 16 pick.
- Blazers traded No. 11 pick for No. 16.
- Selected center Yang Hansen from China.
- Received future picks from Memphis trade.
- Hansen's draft position was unexpected.
- Averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds last season.
- Recap of draft picks through No. 16.
Hansen, a standout during the predraft workouts, was an unexpected choice, as many analysts projected him to go later in the draft. The Blazers also secured a 2028 first-round pick from Orlando and two second-round picks from the Grizzlies, enhancing their future prospects.
The selection of Hansen raises questions about the Blazers’ strategy. Could this indicate a shift toward building a more formidable frontcourt? With last year’s No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, already on the roster, the Blazers are clearly focusing on height and defense.
- Hansen averaged 16.6 points and 10.5 rebounds last season.
- He was named the Chinese Basketball Association’s defensive player of the year in 2024.
- The Blazers now have two towering centers in Clingan and Hansen.
- They are positioned for a more competitive future with their new draft picks.
As the second round of the draft approaches, fans eagerly await further developments that could redefine team lineups and playoff aspirations. Will the Blazers make additional trades to bolster their squad?
