
1. Introduction: A Draft-Day Curveball
On draft night, in a move that stunned fans and analysts, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Chinese center Yang Hansen with the No. 16 pick—after trading for the slot—despite many experts forecasting a late-second-round or undrafted fate pt.wallpapers.com+15talksport.com+15thesun.ie+15. His announcement from the stands triggered an instant buzz: comparisons to NBA MVP Nikola Jokić rose, spotlighting Hansen’s unique point-center talent talksport.com. (IPL BETTING)
2. Who Is Yang Hansen? The Rising CBA Star
- Height & Position: 7’1” center renowned for versatility. Drafted 16th but not initially projected that high espn.com+8talksport.com+8nypost.com+8.
- CBA Dominance: Averaged 15.8 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, and 2.6 BPG; earned Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors alongside two All-Star appearances apnews.com+11talksport.com+11nypost.com+11.
- First-Round Impact: First Chinese player drafted in Round 1 since Yi Jianlian (2007), and third-highest Chinese pick ever behind Yao Ming and Yi expressnews.com+15talksport.com+15nypost.com+15.
3. Why the “Chinese Jokic” Tag?
NBA scouts and media drew parallels to Jokić for Hansen’s court vision, passing accuracy, rebounding, and motor youtube.com+5talksport.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5. One insider even described it as “the wildest pick” of the draft, rating it a 9.5/10 on shock scale nypost.com.
4. What This Means for the Trail Blazers
- Strategic Drafting: Portland targeted Hansen specifically, seeing long-term upside despite risk nypost.com+2talksport.com+2nypost.com+2.
- Roster Roulette: With established centers like Deandre Ayton and Donovan Clingan onboard, Hansen faces stiff competition for minutes pt.wallpapers.com+15talksport.com+15youtube.com+15.
- Global Growth: Choosing a Chinese star signals Blazers’ intent to expand their brand into Asia—bridging sport and cultural diplomacy. (IPL BETTING)
5. Fan & Media Reaction
Social media exploded: from disbelief (“What on earth is Portland doing?”) to excitement (“wildest pick ever!”) washingtonpost.comnypost.com+1nypost.com+1. Basketball circles are excited by potential, but cautious given the jump in competition between the CBA and NBA.
6. Looking Ahead: What to Watch
- Development Path: Will Hansen head to the G‑League or receive NBA minutes?
- Body & Game Strengthening: Needs added strength and toughness to thrive against league bigs.
- Global Brand: If successful, Hansen could become a cultural bridge and commercial magnet in Asia.
✅ Conclusion
The Trail Blazers’ choice of Yang Hansen is a statement—not just about basketball skills, but about the NBA’s global reach. Labeling him the “Chinese Jokic” sets sky-high expectations. If he adapts and grows, Portland’s gamble could pay massive dividends—and potentially redefine international scouting metrics. (IPL BETTING)