In the unpredictable world of the NBA Draft, some selections are safe bets, others are calculated risks. Then there are picks that feel like the search for a legendary sunken treasure – a high-stakes endeavor for a potentially life-altering reward. The Portland Trail Blazers, with their recent acquisition of Chinese center Yang Hansen, appear to have embarked on precisely such an expedition. Dubbed the `Chinese Jokić,` Yang`s unexpected No. 16 overall selection has sent ripples through the league, prompting a collective `What if?` that resonates with the promise of a hidden gem.
The Unexpected Dive: A First-Round Surprise
When Commissioner Adam Silver called Yang Hansen`s name at the 16th pick of the recent NBA Draft, it wasn`t just a surprise to casual observers; it was a genuine shock to the industry. Experts had largely pegged the 7-foot-1 phenom as a fringe first-round talent, if that, with some rankings placing him as low as No. 43. This wasn`t merely a minor deviation from projections; it was akin to discovering a new continent on an old map.
Reports even suggested that Yang, turning 20 the day after the draft, wasn`t even offered a coveted green room spot, instead watching the proceedings from the stands. One can almost picture the scene: a young man, perhaps enjoying a quiet meal, suddenly thrust into the global spotlight. Yet, the Blazers` General Manager, Joe Cronin, saw beyond the consensus. He envisioned a deeper potential, a talent that, much like the fabled Galleon San José, was too valuable to let slip into another team`s hands.
“This is a very, very unique talent in our opinion,” Cronin stated on draft night. “High-end skillset. His ability to pass, his basketball IQ, his functionality in the post, his ability to step out. We think he`ll be a good free-throw shooter and we think he`ll be able to make perimeter jump shots as well.”
The Jokić Blueprint: A Passing Maestro
The immediate “Chinese Jokić” moniker, while a weighty comparison that risks setting unrealistic expectations, is rooted in perhaps Yang`s most compelling attribute: his elite passing. In his initial Summer League outings in Las Vegas, the young center immediately showcased an uncanny court vision, dishing out silken assists that defied his stature and experience against American competition.
Operating from the high post or initiating offense, Yang appears remarkably comfortable as a playmaking hub. His penchant for threading passes to backdoor cutters for easy layups has already become a highlight reel staple. More subtly, but equally impactful, is his proficiency in the dribble hand-off game, using his imposing frame to screen defenders and deliver precise passes to open three-point shooters – a staple of Nikola Jokić`s own offensive wizardry. Even in transition, Yang demonstrates a fearless ability to push the ball, mirroring the seemingly effortless efficiency of the reigning MVP.
Cronin himself emphasized this facet: “His basketball IQ is very, very high and he makes others better. That`s what we`re trying to do here is find guys that help supplement and build each other up and it`s something that he thrives at.”
Scoring: A Palette Yet to Be Fully Painted
While his passing is undeniable, the natural evolution for any player aspiring to Jokić`s level involves a robust offensive game. Jokić transformed into the world`s best by becoming an elite scorer, punishing single coverage and developing a formidable perimeter shot. Yang`s scoring, by contrast, remains a work in progress, though not without intriguing flashes.
Averaging 10 points in his two Summer League appearances, Yang shot a respectable 47% from the field. His three-point shooting, however, registered 1-for-5, with the lone make being a rather fortunate bank shot. Historically, he shot 33% on just over one attempt per game in the Chinese Basketball Association. Interestingly, this mirrors Nikola Jokić`s rookie NBA season statistics almost exactly – a curious statistical parallel that offers a whisper of potential.
Where Yang shows more immediate promise on offense is in his ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim. He`s converted 6 of 9 attempts at the basket in Summer League, displaying surprisingly nimble footwork and craft for a player of his size. While not an above-the-rim aerial artist, his low-to-the-ground efficiency and occasional sneaky dunk betray a developing interior game.
The Intangible Spark: `The It Factor`
Beyond the statistics and technical skills, certain players possess an indefinable quality – “the It factor” – that signals their unique potential. It`s the way they carry themselves, their innate understanding of the game, or simply a captivating charisma that draws people in. Yang Hansen, despite his relative inexperience on the global stage, undeniably has it.
His movements on the court, his confident demeanor, and even his off-court personality radiate a magnetic charm. A viral photo of him in a T-shirt playfully altered to read “Handsome & Young” perfectly captured his endearing appeal. When asked about potentially facing Nikola Jokić, his candid and humble response – “Picture? Signature, please?” delivered with a sheepish grin – further cemented his connection with fans. It`s this combination of raw talent and genuine personality that creates a lasting bond and fuels the excitement around his journey.
The Blazer`s Bet: A High-Stakes Prospect
Drafting an unproven international talent at No. 16 is undoubtedly a gamble. The NBA history books are filled with such narratives, from the wildly successful (Giannis Antetokounmpo, drafted 15th with limited tape) to the less fortunate (the infamous Bruno Caboclo, “two years away from being two years away”). Yet, as any baseball purist will tell you, you can`t hit a home run without swinging the bat. The Blazers, in this instance, have taken a mighty hack, hoping for the perfect blend of launch angle and exit velocity.
Yang Hansen`s rookie season will be under intense scrutiny. While he`s likely to begin behind established centers on Portland`s depth chart, his development promises to be one of the league`s most compelling storylines. Whether he fully embodies the “Chinese Jokić” comparison or forges his own unique path, the Blazers` audacious dive into the draft`s depths has unearthed a prospect with the potential to be truly special. Only time will tell if this $20 billion treasure trove fully pays off.
Jasper Hawthorne