2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Portland Trail Blazers No. 16 Pick Hansen Yang

The Portland Trail Blazers have selected Hansen Yang with the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, after acquiring the pick from the Memphis Grizzlies.

Yang's international resume came together quickly, with two China Basketball Association All-Star appearances and two All-CBA Domestic first-team honors over the past two seasons.

The 19-year-old also won CBA Defensive Player of the Year and back-to-back Rookie of the Year awards in 2024 and 2025.

At the combine in Chicago, Yang's 7'1" height without shoes ranked third among all players. His 7'2¾" wingspan ranked No. 10, and his hand length and width each ranked No. 3 overall.

Yang brings a rare combination of size, shot-blocking instincts and offensive skill to the frontcourt.

There are real questions about his athleticism, switchability and ability to handle quicker matchups in space. Still, his poise, physicality and strong combine showing helped solidify his stock, giving scouts their first extended look at a prospect who's spent the past few years thriving overseas.

Yang is ranked No. 45 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's Prospect Big Board.

Essential Facts and Stats

Previous Team: Qingdao | Position: C | Height: 7'1" | Weight: 253 lbs | Age: 19 | Vertical: 30" | Wingspan: 7'2¾" | PPG: 16.6 | RPG: 10.5 | APG: 3 | BPG: 2.6 | SPG: 1 | FG%: 55.4 | 3PT%: 22.6

Realistic Pro Comparison: Marc Gasol

Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

While a comparison to former Grizzlies center and Memphis legend Marc Gasol creates unrealistic expectations, Yang shares a similar body type, skills and ways to impact games.

The Chinese player is a low-post handful with potential range, passing IQ and an interior defensive presence.

Strengths

Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

• Size
• Offensive Skill
• Shot-blocking

Yang looked the part of an NBA big during May's draft combine, when many scouts were able to see him live for the first time.

He delivered a number of wow plays on offense, including a three-pointer, some fancy footwork from the post and a few beautiful dimes that highlighted obvious passing IQ and quick processing.

Defensively, Yang played the role of rim-protector well in China, alternating shots even when not blocking them. The hope from his new team is that this, above all else, translates to this level.

Weaknesses

Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images

• Athleticism
• Defensive Switchability
• Experience

A lack of athleticism, combined with a lack of experience against elite competition, leaves scouts with question marks about Yang's NBA adaptability, especially when it comes to perimeter defense.

Extending his defensive chops beyond the paint and potentially out to the three-point line would do wonders for his long-term projections.