On a night filled with anticipation, no story stood out more than that of Yang Hansen. The 7-foot-2 center from China, once projected as a second-round pick, stunned the basketball world by being selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, making history and turning his 20th birthday into a moment he’ll never forget.
Yang wasn’t even invited to the NBA’s green room, typically reserved for top prospects. Instead, he sat in the stands with his family, dressed in a crisp white suit, watching the first round unfold. When the cameras suddenly turned his way after the 15th pick, he knew something was up. Moments later, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called his name, and the Barclays Center erupted in surprise.
“I just thought something was off or thought something was about to happen,” Yang said. “So that’s when I found out”.
Yang Hansen is selected 16th overall by the @memgrizz in the 2025 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!
Watch on ABC & ESPN. pic.twitter.com/3m8duAoMrn
— NBA (@NBA) June 26, 2025
Yang became just the third Chinese player ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, joining legends Yao Ming (No. 1 in 2002) and Yi Jianlian (No. 6 in 2007). His selection marks a major milestone for Chinese basketball and signals a new wave of international talent making its mark on the league.
Despite being ranked 35th on ESPN’s final big board, Yang’s stock soared after a standout performance at the NBA Draft Combine, where his passing and vision drew comparisons to Nikola Jokic. He also impressed in private workouts with 11 NBA teams, including Portland, who had been scouting him in China for years.
The Trail Blazers acquired the 16th pick via a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, sending the No. 11 pick (Cedric Coward) in exchange for Yang, a 2028 first-rounder, and two second-round picks.
Yang spent the past two seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. He was named both Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Though still raw, his combination of size, mobility, and playmaking has scouts intrigued. Some even see shades of Alperen Şengün and Nikola Vucevic in his game.
