The Portland Trail Blazers surprisingly selected Chinese center Yang Hansen with the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a move made via a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Yang, a 20-year-old projected for the second round, becomes the first Chinese-born first-round pick since 2007. While possessing impressive skills and averaging 16.6 points and 10.5 rebounds in the Chinese Basketball Association, analysts question his NBA readiness due to physical limitations. The Blazers already have a full roster of centers, raising questions about Yang's role on the team.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.