Yang Hansen might end up being this incarnation of the Portland Trail Blazers’ most divisive player. The talent is raw, the size is enticing but the reality is a genuine mystery.
The young center also has the spectre of Cedric Coward hanging over his head. General Manager Joe Cronin opted to trade the more mature wing to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night for two first-rounders, one of which was used on Yang.
Yang’s rookie campaign was far from Coward who went onto finish fifth in Rookie of the Year
voting. The Blazers rookie, two years Coward’s junior, was the epitome of an end-of-the-bench player, spending a good portion of the year with the Rip City Remix. In 14 games in the G League, he averaged 17.1 points on 32.1 percent from three, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 blocks.
Unfortunately, he was unable to replicate that productivity with the Blazers. Obviously, he had much less opportunity, but the 2.2 points on 11.9 percent from three, 1.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.2 blocks were far from inspiring. With a season under his belt, Yang needs to put in the work this summer as he works to prove he has value in the NBA.
Andrew Cherng Comments
Before we go any further, I just want to point out a comment that — though may have appeared to be inconsequential at the time — could be telling.
When the Blazers new ownership group gave their introductory press conference last month, there was only one player mentioned by any of Governor Tom Dundon or Alternate Governors Sheel Tyle and Andrew Cherng. That name was dropped by Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO at Panda Express, in a response about why he became involved with the group.
“As a Chinese [person], I love the fact that we have a Chinese prospect in Hansen Yang. You know, it got me thinking.”
This, of course, doesn’t mean the soon-to-be sophomore isn’t untouchable but if one of the new owners shouts out a young player, you’ve got to believe they hold a higher importance relative to others on the roster.
The cynical side of some have suggested Yang was drafted to open the billion-strong Chinese market. That may have well been a factor, but not the driving force. I consider myself as skeptical as the next person, but I can’t see the Blazers, specifically this front office, drafting a player just to improve the bottom line.
Ability
Let’s start with what he can do. Yang can clearly play-make out of the high post, in dribble hand-offs and his ability execute tight and quick passes. His footwork around the rim is innate and could be elite but I do worry about the nimbleness of said limbs on the other side of the floor.
His challenges are as clear as day. There’s a level of maturity required to not only feel at ease among the game’s best players, but also in a foreign land and culture. He’s in a new world, with a new language and way of life. Combine that with the high-pressure, fast-moving environment of an on-court NBA game, the learning curve will be steeper for Yang than most.
Defense is his biggest issue. While he can move his feet on offense, Yang is a little slower on the other end of the court, which is fine considering he’s 7’1” and 270lb. My concern is that he lacks natural defensive instincts, often getting caught in the wrong position and prone to foul trouble.
With the big man making a resurgence in the modern game, centers are going to need to be above average on defense to give teammates a chance on that end of the floor. The Blazers aren’t getting by with a below-average defensive center.
Team Balance
As discussed last week, the Blazers will have a key decision to make on unrestricted free agent Robert Williams III this summer. Williams was Donovan Clingan’s undisputed reserve this season and if he returns this summer will remain in the role, perhaps even supplanting him from time to time if the matchup calls for it.
If Williams does not return, the Blazers would be prudent in trading for, or signing, another relatively experienced reserve big to support Clingan. Because right now, Yang has not shown that he can handle rotation minutes. And if, perish the thought, Clingan goes down with serious injury, entrusting the pivot role to Yang would be asking for trouble.
Trade Value
The 20-year-old will embark on the second year of a four-year rookie scale deal, with his remaining three years worth $4.6 million, $4.9 million and $7.5 million. Those are amounts unlikely to bring back anything of real value, unless he’s used as a sweetener in a larger transaction.
Rumors in the aftermath of the 2025 NBA Draft suggested he was being looked at by a number of franchises. While the rookie year wasn’t a glowing endorsement, no one would begrudge a rebuilding team taking another look at a 7’1 big with impeccable footwork and room for improvement.
I just doubt a team is giving up more than a late first-round pick to get him, given the unspectacular rookie campaign.
Conclusion
Yang Hansen is one of the more unique prospects who has spent time at the Blazers’ Tualatin headquarters in recent memory. A surprise first-round pick on draft night didn’t do him any favors for a forever faithful fanbase wanting success.
It also doesn’t help when the talent sold doesn’t immediately translate on the court, especially when the name initially selected and parted with, shines elsewhere.
The tricky predicament the franchise finds itself in now is that it has a sophomore prospect with questions to answer, a namecheck from new ownership and a heck of lot of expectation.
This Blazers front office is smart enough not to let one season decide the future of a prospect they still believe in. As a result, I doubt they move him this summer but if there’s little improvement through the first three months of the season, no one should be surprised to see him gone at the deadline, for the right price.
Regardless of where a member of the ownership team hails from.
