### Trail Blazers' Shocking NBA Draft Move: Yang Hansen Selected at No. 16 In a surprising turn of events during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Chinese center Yang Hansen with the 16th overall pick, a choice that left many analysts and fans stunned. Hansen, who was not projected to be a first-round pick and was often ranked as a second-round selection, has been described as a rising prospect, drawing comparisons to NBA star Nikola Jokić due to his unique skill set and playing style. The Blazers acquired Hansen through a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, who had initially selected him with the 16th pick after the Blazers traded down from their original No. 11 position. This unexpected decision has sparked widespread discussion and debate within the basketball community, with many questioning the Blazers' strategy and the implications of this pick for the team's future. ### Breakdown of the Draft Selection and Reactions 1. **Draft Context and Selection**: - The Blazers traded their No. 11 pick to the Grizzlies, who used it to select Cedric Coward, while Portland took Hansen at No. 16 [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/bd1d6b3b/heres-what-to-know-about-blazers-surprise-first-round-pick-hansen-yang]. - Hansen was considered a second-round talent by most analysts, with ESPN ranking him at No. 35 and The Athletic placing him at No. 48 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/wildest_pick_ive_ever_seen_trail_blazers_select_hansen_yang_with_16th_pick_in_draft_night_stunner/s1_14822_42376457]. 2. **Player Profile**: - Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-2 center from Qingdao, China, has made a name for himself in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), averaging 16.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game last season [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/yang-hansen-makes-nba-draft-history-in-first-round-picks-goes-to-portland-trail-blazers/articleshow/122083338.cms]. - He was named the CBA's Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in 2024, showcasing his potential as a significant contributor in the NBA [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6452189/2025/06/25/nba-draft-surprise-blazers-grizzlies-yang-hansen]. 3. **Reactions from the NBA Community**: - The selection has been met with skepticism, with many in the NBA community expressing disbelief at the Blazers' choice, labeling it one of the biggest surprises of the draft [https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/trail-blazers-explain-yang-hansen-pick-why-portland-chose-chinese-jokić-in-nba-drafts-biggest-shocker]. - Fans and analysts alike have taken to social media to voice their opinions, with some calling the pick a "massive leap" and others questioning the Blazers' decision-making process [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/blazers-stun-nba-world-7-024652532.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Draft Rankings**: - ESPN: Yang Hansen ranked No. 35 [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/203696b/espns-nba-draft-experts-did-not-have-a-scouting-report-on-no-16-pick-yang-hansen]. - The Athletic: Yang Hansen ranked No. 48 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/wildest_pick_ive_ever_seen_trail_blazers_select_hansen_yang_with_16th_pick_in_draft_night_stunner/s1_14822_42376457]. - **Player Statistics**: - Points per game: 16.2 - Rebounds per game: 10.0 - Blocks per game: 2.7 - CBA Defensive Player of the Year: 2024 [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/yang-hansen-makes-nba-draft-history-in-first-round-picks-goes-to-portland-trail-blazers/articleshow/122083338.cms]. ### Conclusion: A Bold Move with Uncertain Outcomes The Portland Trail Blazers' decision to draft Yang Hansen at No. 16 has certainly raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about their future direction. 1. **Surprising Selection**: The choice was unexpected, as Hansen was not widely regarded as a first-round talent. 2. **Potential Impact**: If Hansen can translate his CBA success to the NBA, he could become a valuable asset for the Blazers. 3. **Community Reaction**: The mixed reactions highlight the uncertainty surrounding this pick and its implications for the team's strategy moving forward. In summary, while the Blazers' selection of Yang Hansen may be seen as a gamble, it also reflects their willingness to take risks in pursuit of talent that could reshape their roster [https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3315855/chinas-yang-hansen-taken-16th-overall-nba-draft-memphis-grizzlies].