When the Portland Trail Blazers selected Yang Hansen with the 16th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, they ignited one of the most heated debates of draft night. Scouts, analysts, and fans alike quickly split into two camps: those who saw Hansen as a future NBA star and those convinced he was a reach doomed to bust. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Hansen’s game to determine where his future might lie.
At 7’2″, Hansen’s unique blend of size, skill, and mobility immediately stands out. His summer league performance provided flashes of promise but also raised significant red flags.
Strengths: Athletic Rim Runner and Elite Playmaker Hansen excels in transition and as a rim runner, demonstrating surprising fluidity and athleticism for a player his size. When given space, he finishes around the basket effectively, hinting at his offensive potential in NBA pick-and-roll scenarios.
But perhaps the most compelling part of Hansen’s game is his passing and decision-making abilities. His court vision and knack for facilitating offense from the high post are reminiscent of some elite NBA big men. The ability to consistently deliver precise bounce passes and read backdoor cuts suggests a high basketball IQ that could help him flourish at the professional level.
Concerns: Shooting Woes and Decision-Making Issues However, there are critical questions about Hansen’s game that cannot be overlooked. His shooting mechanics raise doubts about his ability to reliably stretch the floor. Despite decent summer league statistics, his shot consistency was erratic, with concerning misses that could limit his offensive upside.
Moreover, Hansen showed troubling tendencies towards careless turnovers, frequently attempting high-risk passes that might not translate effectively against tougher NBA defenses. Additionally, while he shows potential as a rim protector, there remain legitimate concerns about his perimeter defense and ability to guard quicker, more athletic NBA players.
The Verdict: Boom or Bust? Yang Hansen represents a classic case of a high-risk, high-reward draft selection. His best-case scenario sees him blossoming into a versatile, playmaking big man, becoming a key cornerstone of Portland’s future. In the worst-case scenario, he becomes another cautionary tale of potential that never translated.
Ultimately, the Blazers’ bold decision to select Hansen reflects a calculated gamble—one that could define their franchise for years to come. Whether Hansen will prove to be a genius pick or a regrettable mistake remains to be seen, but he’s undeniably one of the NBA’s most intriguing rookies to watch.
Watch our full film breakdown of Yang Hansen to dive deeper into his game and join the debate: Will Yang Hansen be a boom or a bust?
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