The Portland Trail Blazers have made headlines by selecting little-known Chinese center Hansen Yang with the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This surprising choice comes as part of a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, showcasing the Blazers’ commitment to building a diverse roster.
- Blazers select Hansen Yang at 16th pick
- Yang averaged 16.6 points in CBA
- 20-year-old center measures 7’1 with wingspan
- Needs to improve against physical defenders
- Compared to Luke Kornet and Alperen Sengun
- Blazers now have five centers on roster
Yang, who played for Qingdao in the Chinese Basketball Association, averaged 16.6 points and was named the 2024 CBA Defensive Player of the Year. Standing at 7’1″ and weighing 253 pounds, he brings impressive size and potential to the Blazers. As the basketball world watches closely, one can’t help but wonder: will Yang adapt to the NBA’s physicality?
Yang’s selection raises questions about his readiness for the NBA. While he has shown promise in the CBA, can he handle the physical demands of the league? Key developments include:
- Yang’s impressive stats in China, including 10.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.
- His potential comparison to established players like Alperen Sengun.
- The Blazers now have five centers, indicating a focus on depth in the frontcourt.
- Earlier, they traded for the 11th pick, showing a proactive approach to roster building.
As the NBA offseason progresses, fans can look forward to how Yang develops and integrates into the Blazers’ system. Will he become a key player in the upcoming season?
