Trail Blazers’ Bold Move: How They Land Yang Hansen, China’s Rising Star

How did the Portland Trail Blazers, a team known for its traditional approach, land a 7-foot-2 Chinese center in the 2025 NBA Draft?

The Trail Blazers’ Surprise Pick: A Game-Changer in the NBA Draft

The Portland Trail Blazers’ selection of Yang Hansen with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft shocked the basketball world. At just 19 years old, the 7-foot-2 Chinese prospect represents a rare blend of physicality and potential, making him a standout in a draft class where international talent is increasingly valued. While the Blazers have historically leaned on veteran players and established stars, this move signals a shift toward embracing global basketball stars, particularly those from Asia. Hansen’s inclusion in the draft process highlights the growing importance of international scouting and the NBA’s expanding reach beyond North America.

The decision to trade down from the 11th pick to secure Hansen was a calculated risk. By doing so, the Blazers not only gained a unique player but also sent a message about their long-term vision. Analysts note that teams are now more willing to gamble on high-upside international prospects, especially as the NBA continues to diversify its talent pool. Hansen’s selection at No. 16, rather than a higher slot, suggests that the Blazers prioritized his fit within their system over immediate star power. This approach aligns with a broader trend in the NBA, where teams are investing in players who may not be household names but possess the potential to evolve into key contributors.

Hansen’s case also reflects the changing dynamics of the NBA Draft. In recent years, the league has seen a surge in international players, with over 30% of the roster now composed of non-American athletes. The Blazers’ gamble on Hansen underscores their desire to tap into this trend, particularly in a market like China, where basketball is gaining momentum. His selection could be a turning point for the team, offering a rare combination of size, shooting ability, and defensive versatility. However, it also raises questions about how quickly he can adapt to the NBA’s pace and whether his international experience will translate effectively to the league’s demands.

A Scouting Mission to China: The Blazers’ Strategy Unveiled

Portland Trail Blazers assistant general managers Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva took a bold step in the fall of 2023 by traveling to China to evaluate Yang Hansen. This fact-finding mission was part of a broader effort to identify emerging talent in Asia, a region that has become a focal point for NBA teams seeking to expand their global footprint. The trip allowed the Blazers to observe Hansen firsthand, assessing his physical attributes, basketball IQ, and potential to thrive in the NBA. Their visit coincided with a period of intense interest from multiple teams, as the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) resumed its 2023-24 season and drew attention from scouts worldwide.

The Blazers’ focus on Hansen was not accidental. With the team’s roster lacking a dominant center and facing challenges in developing young talent, the decision to target a player from China reflects a strategic move to address a critical need. Hansen’s height and frame, combined with his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and defend multiple positions, made him an attractive prospect for a team looking to build a versatile frontline. However, the Blazers also recognized the risks of such a selection, particularly given the limited exposure of international players to the NBA’s physicality and pace. Their scouting team emphasized the importance of cultural adaptability, noting that Hansen’s ability to communicate and adjust to a new environment would be crucial to his success.

The visit to China was part of a larger trend in NBA scouting, where teams are increasingly investing in international talent. According to a 2024 report by The Athletic, the league’s international scouting budget has grown by 25% over the past five years, with a focus on players from Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Blazers’ decision to prioritize Hansen aligns with this strategy, as they aim to position themselves as a leader in global basketball development. By scouting players in their early teens, the team is ensuring that they can groom talent from the ground up, a move that could pay dividends in the coming years.

Yang Hansen: From Zibo to the NBA Draft Floor

Yang Hansen’s journey to the NBA Draft began in Zibo, Shandong Province, where he first picked up a basketball. As a child, he joined a local club and later enrolled in Zibo Sports School, a program known for nurturing young athletes with international potential. His talent quickly caught the attention of Qingdao Guoxin Haitian Club, which invited him to its youth training system around 2020. This opportunity allowed Hansen to refine his skills and gain exposure to professional basketball, a rare path for a Chinese player at his age.

Hansen’s development within the CBA has been remarkable. Despite playing only a few games in the league, his performance in the 2023-24 season demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level. Scouts have highlighted his unique combination of length, touch, and agility, which could make him a valuable asset in the NBA. His participation in the CHL-USA Prospect Challenge further showcased his potential, as he impressed with his shooting accuracy and defensive instincts. However, his international background also presents challenges, such as adapting to the faster pace and higher intensity of NBA play.

The Trail Blazers’ interest in Hansen was evident during his pre-draft workouts, where he demonstrated both physical and mental toughness. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and his commitment to improving his game in the U.S. have been noted by NBA analysts. Hansen’s selection at No. 16 is a testament to his potential, but it also underscores the team’s willingness to invest in a player with a relatively untested track record. This decision reflects a growing trend in the NBA, where teams are increasingly looking beyond traditional scouting grounds to find the next generation of stars.

The Blazers’ Long-Term Vision: Building a Global Roster

The Trail Blazers’ decision to draft Yang Hansen is part of a larger strategy to build a globally competitive roster. By selecting an international player with unique physical traits, the team is positioning itself to capitalize on the NBA’s expanding international fan base. Hansen’s inclusion in the draft process also highlights the Blazers’ commitment to diversifying their talent pool, a move that could enhance their marketability and appeal to fans worldwide.

In recent years, the Trail Blazers have made several international signings, including players from Europe and the Philippines. This approach has been a key component of their rebuild, allowing them to address specific needs while also aligning with the league’s global ambitions. Hansen’s selection at No. 16 is a natural extension of this strategy, as his physical attributes make him an ideal fit for the team’s defensive and offensive schemes. His ability to space the floor and protect the rim could provide a much-needed upgrade to the Blazers’ frontcourt, especially as they look to compete in the Western Conference.

The Blazers’ focus on international prospects also reflects a shift in how teams evaluate talent. While traditional scouting has long emphasized North American players, the modern NBA is increasingly reliant on global talent. Hansen’s case exemplifies this trend, as his development in China has already drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Rudy Gobert and Joel Embiid. His selection with the 16th pick suggests that the Blazers believe his upside outweighs the risks, a decision that could redefine their identity as a team. However, this move also raises questions about the team’s ability to integrate international players into their system and how they will balance their roster with the right mix of talent.

A New Era for NBA International Recruitment

Yang Hansen’s selection by the Trail Blazers could signal a new era for NBA international recruitment, particularly in Asia. His inclusion in the draft highlights the league’s growing interest in players from China, where basketball is gaining traction despite its traditional dominance in other sports. The CBA’s rise as a breeding ground for NBA talent is no longer a secret, with players like Cai Zelin and Wang Zhelin already making an impact in the league. Hansen’s case adds to this narrative, as he represents the next wave of Chinese basketball players poised to challenge the status quo.

The NBA’s focus on international players has been a strategic move to expand its global fan base and create a more inclusive league. With over 30% of NBA players now coming from outside the United States, the league has become a melting pot of talent from around the world. Hansen’s selection at No. 16 underscores this shift, as it gives the Trail Blazers a unique opportunity to invest in a player who could become the face of basketball in China. His potential to dominate the paint and his shooting ability make him a versatile option for teams looking to build a modern, balanced roster.

However, the Trail Blazers’ gamble on Hansen also highlights the challenges of international recruitment. While players like him offer immense upside, they often require time to adjust to the NBA’s physicality and pace. The league’s recent emphasis on player development has made it easier for international prospects to succeed, but it also means that teams must be patient and willing to invest in their growth. Hansen’s selection could serve as a model for other teams looking to expand their international scouting efforts, demonstrating that the NBA is more than just a North American league.

Key Takeaways

• The Portland Trail Blazers’ selection of Yang Hansen at No. 16 in the 2025 NBA Draft was a strategic move to address their need for a dominant center.
• Assistant GMs Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva’s scouting mission to China was pivotal in identifying Hansen as a high-potential international prospect.
• Yang Hansen’s journey from Zibo to the NBA showcases the growing importance of global talent in the league, with his unique combination of size and skill making him a standout.
• The Blazers’ decision reflects a broader trend of NBA teams investing in international players to expand their reach and competitiveness.
• Hansen’s inclusion in the draft signals the league’s evolving approach to talent acquisition, emphasizing adaptability and long-term development over immediate star power.

As the NBA continues to globalize, the Trail Blazers’ selection of Yang Hansen could be a defining moment for the league’s international strategy. His potential to become a key player in the 2026-27 season and beyond will be closely watched, not only for his individual development but also for the broader implications of the Blazers’ bold move. The future of basketball in China is now intertwined with the NBA’s vision, and Hansen’s career could serve as a bridge between these two worlds.