In a stunning twist on Draft Night, the Portland Trail Blazers selected 7’2″ Chinese center Yang Hansen with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 2.18 meters (7 feet 2 inches), Hansen immediately becomes one of the tallest players in the league, bringing rare size and international intrigue to Rip City.
The selection caught many by surprise, as Hansen was widely projected to go later in the first round. But the Blazers clearly see untapped potential in the towering 19-year-old, who has drawn comparisons to a young Yao Ming due to his frame, mobility, and raw upside.
A dominant force in China’s top pro league, Hansen has flashed strong rim protection, soft touch around the basket, and surprising footwork for a player his size. While he’s still developing offensively, Portland is banking on his size and defensive presence to immediately contribute in the paint.
This marks a bold swing by the Blazers’ front office, which has been active this offseason in retooling their roster for the future. With Hansen now in the fold, Portland adds a true skyscraper to its young core—and a potential future star if his development goes right.
Fans will be watching closely to see how this 7’2″ mystery man adapts to the NBA pace—but for now, Yang Hansen’s arrival has officially shaken up the 2025 draft night.