Trail Blazers coach lauds Yang Hansen, suggesting he's talented enough to jump into a game immediately.
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Meet the unexpected NBA sensation, Yang Hansen, who's swapped rainy Qingdao for Portland's lush greenery as the Trail Blazers' newest addition. The 20-year-old center, sporting the coveted No. 16 jersey, made headlines globally with his 16th overall draft pick, a move deemed "unconventional" and the "wildest pick I've ever seen" by a league executive.
Originally projecting as a second-round selection, the Trail Blazers shrewdly traded down from the 11th pick to snag Hansen, passing on higher-ranked prospects. This draft maneuver had some scratching their heads, but the Chinese-born big man's selection marked history as the third Chinese-born player ever drafted in the first round and the first since Yi Jianlian in 2007.
A towering 7-foot-2, Hansen brings sizable defense skills to the Trail Blazers roster, having already built an impressive résumé in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He was named CBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, earned All-Star accolades in both his CBA seasons, and captured the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season.
Hansen's surname, "Hansen," translates to "a vast forest" in Chinese, a fitting connection to Portland's Douglas-fir forests. He expressed a fond affection for the city during his draft workout and press conference, likening his arrival to a "wonderful arrangement by fate."
The Trail Blazers view Hansen as a cornerstone in their future, especially at the center position, signaling both optimism and a strategic, long-term approach in this surprise pick. He'll display his talents at the 2025 NBA 2K26 Summer League, where coaches will closely assess his defense prowess and growth potential.
With the Trail Blazers center position boasting numerous Santas, it's too early to tell if Hansen will grace the court right off the bat. Head coach Chauncey Billups emphasized the need for Hansen to learn the team's game, system, and language while continuing to develop. But fret not, Blazers fans—Billups asserted they'd feel "very comfortable" putting him in a game, boasting how "good" he truly is.
In the unpredicted NBA 2K26 Summer League, Yang Hansen, the Trail Blazers' new center, is expected to showcase his defensive skills and growth potential, having demonstrated impressive performance in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Despite the Trail Blazers' surprising first-round draft pick of Hansen, who is of Chinese descent, head coach Chauncey Billups expressed optimism about Hansen's role as a cornerstone at the center position for the team.
