New Delhi | June 26, 2025 | Trail Blazers 2025 NBA Draft | The Portland Trail Blazers traded down to select Chinese center Yang Hansen 16th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, acquiring additional future picks in a strategic long-term move.
In a surprising move during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers traded their 11th overall pick to the Memphis Grizzlies, sliding back to the 16th spot while acquiring a future first-round pick and two second-round selections. This calculated decision reflects Portland’s commitment to building through the draft, prioritizing future flexibility over immediate impact.
Historic Selection of Chinese Center
With their newly acquired 16th pick, the Blazers made waves by selecting 7-foot-2 Chinese center Yang Hansen from the Qingdao Eagles. The 20-year-old becomes the first Chinese-born player drafted in the first round since Yi Jianlian in 2007, joining the exclusive company of Yao Ming as only the third Chinese first-round selection in NBA history.
Exclusive Report on Yang Hansen
China’s Yang Hansen was in the stands when drafted 🙌
He’s headed to the Portland Trail Blazers in a trade with Memphis 🔥 pic.twitter.com/D6sghlRuNK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 26, 2025
The CBA Defensive Player of the Year brings an intriguing skillset to Portland, having averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks last season. While questions remain about his NBA readiness, his offensive touch and passing ability have drawn comparisons to Nikola Jokić from some scouts. The Blazers had reportedly tracked his development for two years before making this selection.
The Portland Trailblazers have selected Hansen Yang with the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Yang will be on Portland’s roster this upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/FoeVZoEXCj
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 26, 2025
Yang joins a crowded Portland frontcourt featuring Deandre Ayton and recent lottery pick Donovan Clingan. This selection continues the Blazers’ youth movement alongside guards Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. The additional draft capital acquired gives Portland valuable assets as they continue their rebuild following a 36-win season. The Portland Trail Blazers traded down to select Chinese center Yang Hansen 16th overall in the Draft, acquiring additional future picks in a strategic long-term move.