Yang Hansen was undoubtedly the surprise of the 2025-26 NBA Draft in Brooklyn. After being selected by the Memphis Grizzlies, Yang was traded to the Portland Trailblazers in a draft pick that was celebrated across China, as Hansen represents the basketball hope of the nation. The NBA Draft has, on occasion, delivered a few shocking picks in recent memory, but the 16th overall pick of Yang came as a surprise to nearly everyone in the NBA. He even sat at the back of the auditorium, expecting to be selected in the second round. Yang arrives in Ripcity with high expectations.
The Portland Trailblazers have had their eye on Yang Hansen for a while
The NBA Draft threw the usual drama our way this year. The Mavs got Cooper Flagg despite astronomical odds against them getting the number one pick. The Jazz have to deal with a player who publicly stated he did not want to play in Utah. The annual tearjerker stories emerged of players coming from humble backgrounds to defy the odds to play in the NBA and change their families’ lives in the process.
It has now emerged that the Portland Trailblazers have been keeping Yang close for some time now in preparation for the Chinese prospect coming to Oregon. Yang stated that he first fell in love with the lush and green city of Portland a month ago when the Blazers invited him for a draft workout. So it appears the only people surprised by his Portland selection were the rest of us, as both the Blazers and Yang knew he would end up in Portland.
Yang becomes the new hope for Chinese basketball following his move to the Blazers
Yang becomes only the third Chinese-born player ever taken in the first round of the NBA Draft, following Yi Jianlian and NBA icon Yao Ming. The Yao comparisons are evident, and Yao even took the time to offer some advice to young Yang and other Chinese players hoping to make it to the NBA at a pre-draft event, stating:
Remember one thing: the draft is just a small part of their entire career, or even their life … What really matters is the path they take afterward.”
The love affair between Portland and Yang Hansen is the start of something beautiful
The last time that the Portland Trailblazers were challenging in the NBA was way back when a certain player named Damian Lillard was making headlines in Portland with his amazing performances. Since Lillard’s departure to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Blazers have struggled to remain relevant in the very competitive environment of the NBA.
By getting Hansen to Portland, the Trailblazers have given themselves the best chance at success in quite a few years. Chauncey Billups has brought some invigoration to the Blazers. As the focus shifts in the NBA to free agency, the Blazers coaching staff is eager to start working with Hansen, albeit through a translator at first. Portland head coach Chauncey Billups had the following to say about Yang:
“What I love the most is how he plays the game — his IQ is really, really high. He plays the game the right way. He’s really a good teammate, playing for others to make other guys better. I have to teach with young guys. I don’t have to teach this kid — he’s been taught the right way.”
Yang stated his love for Portland by saying in Mandarin:
“I know this city is rainy, and the scenery here is really nice. Honestly, I felt a kind of magic when I came here. When I was on the way back here, driving in, I saw so many beautiful sights.”
Will Yang Hansen bring some of that winning feeling to Portland?
The Portland Trailblazers are due a playoff run. The ring culture in the NBA means that if a team is to be successful, it needs to pursue the goal of winning a title, or at least a deep playoff run. Hansen was the surprise of the draft and brings with him that feeling of optimism to Portland. The free agency is due to throw up some surprising trades and moves this offseason. Will Chauncey Billups and the front office in Portland make some more moves to bolster their roster for next season? Can Hansen make an immediate impact in the NBA?
