No one expected Yang Hansen to be picked in the first round, let alone 16th overall, by a Portland Trail Blazers team that already boasted one young seven-footer.
As the saying goes, “keep Portland weird,” and their draft strategy was puzzling. The upside, however, is quickly apparent. In the preseason, Yang is averaging 9.7 points and 4.7 rebounds. With both him and Donovan Clingan somewhat capable floor-spacers, the Blazers could bring back the twin tower lineups of old.
On top of that, as the NBA leans into virality, tapping into the biggest market in the world brings tons of profits and advantages with it.
China has only boasted one NBA All-Star, and Yang is in line to lead 1.4 billion potential fans.
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 14: Yang Hansen #16 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots over Quinten Post #21 of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter of a preseason game at the Moda Center on October 14, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Portland Trail Blazers won 118-111. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Portland Trail Blazers Cornered the Chinese Market
China is a basketball hotbed. The CBA is one of the best leagues in the world, although stars have struggled to cross the Pacific. Part of it has to do with China’s training culture, which values fundamentals over creativity.
In the NBA, both are needed at a high level. Yang has been able to showcase isolation scoring, which is not an area of focus in China. With his success imminent, perhaps the floodgates can open and China can become a draft staple like France, Australia, and Spain.
For now, Yang is the only Chinese-born player in the league, and the Trail Blazers will certainly benefit from their new fans.
“Yang Hansan is potentially one of the most important players in the NBA because of the value of reigniting the Chinese market,” expressed ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. You know, we are a generation past Yao Ming. So many millions of fans were created in China. It is so important for the NBA.”
China hosted its first preseason games in six years this fall. The Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets played two contests, paving the way for the NBA to return to prominence in the country, ideally with Yang leading the way.
Trail Blazers Already Invested in Yang Hansen
By most accounts, Yang was expected to be drafted in the second round. However, Portland is already investing in him.
After the draft, Portland boasted Yang, Clingan, Robert Williams, Duop Reath, and Deandre Ayton down low. They made the choice to cut Ayton. Williams is a fixture of trade rumors. In short, Yang has a green light in Portland.
“What did they do right after they drafted him? They cut Deandre Ayton. They moved on,” Windhorst added. “I know that they have Donovan Clingan, they have some young guys that they’re moving, but they basically like, we’re going to make room for this young guy to play.”
Between young guards Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson and wings Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, the Blazers have a solid young core. This summer, they added back Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, joining Jerami Grant as the veteran leaders.
In a crowded Western Conference, Portland has an uphill battle to make the playoffs, although the blueprint is set for future success.
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