New video shows just how unexpected Yang Hansen NBA draft pick was
Many didn't have Qingdado center Yang Hansen being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Even the 7-foot-1 center appeared taken aback when his name was called as the No. 16 pick by the Grizzlies — before being traded to the Trail Blazers — at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday night.
Hansen, who was projected to go in the middle of the second round, was sitting in the stands and appeared to have a delayed reaction when his moment came, as seen in a video on social media.
He quickly stood up and raised his arm before he shuffled with his white suit jacket, attempting to button it before greeting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the stage.
5 Qingdado center Yang Hansen reacts to being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025.
X/NickVanExit
Hansen shared a moment with Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul — whose agency reps the prospect and other NBA stars such as LeBron James and Draymond Green — while on his way to the stage.
The pair was all smiles as they shared a handshake and a hug.
5 Qingdado center Yang Hansen reacts to being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025.
X/NickVanExit
Memphis traded its 16th overall pick to Portland in exchange for the No. 11 overall pick (Cedric Coward), and the Blazers also received a 2028 first-round selection and two future second-round picks.
Hansen led the Chinese Basketball Association in blocks and ranked in the top 10 in field goal percentage during the 2024-25 season.
5 Qingdado center Yang Hansen shares a moment with Klutch Sports founder and agent Rich Paul after being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025.
X/ESPN
He won the CBA rookie of the year in 2024, and was named All-CBA Domestic First Team and made the CBA All-Star team in both 2024 and 2025.
Hansen earned CBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024.
NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote on X, 'A Nuggets source just texted me: 'Chinese Jokic,' about the Blazers' surprise selection,' referring to three-time NBA MVP and Denver center Nikola Jokic.
5 Yang Hansen looks on after being drafted sixteenth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2025 NBA Draft – Round One on June 25, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
NBAE via Getty Images
5 Yang Hansen poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 16th by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York.
AP
The Blazers were intentional about their interest in Hansen.
Portland became 'intrigued' by Hansen's game in 2023, specifically while he played for China during the FIBA U19 World Cup, according to ESPN, which reported the Blazers plan to begin Hansen's development 'immediately' by bringing him to the United States.
Follow The Post's coverage of the 2025 NBA Draft
The pick caught many pundits by surprise, with one NBA executive telling Clutch Points: 'That is the wildest pick I've ever seen. Those jobs up there are on the line.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
20 minutes ago
- USA Today
WATCH: Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje reacts to his NBA Draft selection
What a moment for him Former Wisconsin Basketball star John Tonje witnessed his NBA dreams come true on Thursday evening. Surrounded by friends and family, Tonje looked on as NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum announced the Utah Jazz's selection with the 53rd pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. Immediately afterwards, his loved ones erupted in joy, eliciting a giant smile from Tonje. Here's the moment Tonje realized his NBA aspirations morphed into a reality: Tonje's journey is arguably one of the more memorable of any recent player to represent the Badgers. After playing just eight games before being sidelined for the entire 2023-24 season at Missouri due to injury, Tonje burst onto the scene as Wisconsin's most prolific offensive option. The 6-foot-5 wing began the season with a 41-point barrage against No. 9 Arizona -- a performance that included a baffling 21 made free throws -- to set the tone for what Wisconsin would accomplish during the 2024-25 slate. Tonje would then secure 2024 Greenbrier Tip-Off Tournament MVP nods with strong outputs in wins over UCF at Pittsburgh in UW's mid-November tournament, roughly three months before dropping 32 points in a signature triumph over No. 7 Purdue on the road. In the postseason, Tonje also registered 32 points against No. 7 Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship semifinal and 37 tallies against BYU in the Badgers' NCAA Tournament round of 32 loss. At the season's end, he was named a 2025 Second Team All-American, 2025 Naismith Player of the Year Semifinalist and member of the 2025 All-Big Ten first team. The three-level scorer will now join former Rutgers star Ace Bailey and Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr., who pocketed an NCAA title with the Gators in April, in Salt Lake City. The 2024-25 iteration of Utah went 17-65, the worst record in the entire NBA. Tonje's professional journey will begin in Utah's summer league action from July 5-7. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
5 NBA Players Who Could Be Traded This Summer
May 3, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket past Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half during game two of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports May 3, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket past Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half during game two of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports With the 2025 NBA season behind us, the trade market has already exploded with big names like Kevin Durant and Jrue Holiday heading to new teams. Here are 5 big-time players who could be next in line to hit the trade block. Check Out: 50 Best NBA players right now 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images The best player left on the trade market by far, trade rumors about the 30-year-old, two-time MVP have been circulating for a while. Given the Milwaukee Bucks' lack of a legitimate young core and recent playoff underperformances, it's becoming increasingly likely that Giannis will want in on a team that's more competitive for a championship push. Advertisement Related: Top NBA free agents 2025: Top 20 NBA free agency rankings, NBA free agents this summer 2. Lauri Markkanen – Jazz Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images The Utah Jazz are rebuilding, and after another disappointing lottery result, they are nowhere near ready to compete for playoff contention. If the Jazz want to offload Markkanen's expensive contract and give the lottery one last try for a top-four pick, they should trade Lauri. 3. Trae Young – Hawks Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Trae Young's contract runs through the 2026 season, and he will be eligible for a contract extension this offseason, but not a supermax extension. If he decides to hold out until free agency, there is a good chance the Atlanta Hawks may trade the 26-year-old star. 4. Jaren Jackson Jr. – Grizzlies Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Jackson Jr. is in the same situation as Young. With the end of his contract in sight, he could easily sign an extension with the Memphis Grizzlies. But that's only if Jaren wants to stay in Memphis. He just as easily can hold out and force the Grizzlies to trade him. Advertisement Also Read: NBA insider explains why Sacramento Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton to Indiana Pacers instead of De'Aaron Fox 5. Jaylen Brown – Celtics Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images The Boston Celtics have already traded two significant contributors to their 2024 NBA Championship in Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. It would be foolish to think Brown isn't also on the table, as given Boston's immense payroll, two supermax contracts with Brown and Tatum just aren't sustainable. Also Read: Top Golden State Warriors rival targeting Jonathan Kuminga in NBA free agency Related Headlines
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
What dodging second apron means for Boston Celtics trade possibilities
The Celtics made a big first step in their offseason on Tuesday, dipping below the second apron threshold ($207 million) by trimming roughly $24 million from their payroll with the trades of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. There are many more moves to come for the Celtics this offseason, league sources tell MassLive as Boston looks to retool its roster for the future following Jayson Tatum's torn Achilles. However, Brad Stevens' prompt work of dumping money ahead of the NBA Draft now opens more doors for the franchise heading into the heart of the NBA offseason. So what exactly does getting under the second apron do for the Celtics when it comes to future trade and free agent possibilities? Let's examine where the roster is at and the benefits it provides for future dealing. Advertisement CELTICS 2025-26 ROSTER Jayson Tatum: $54.1 million Jaylen Brown: $53.1 million Derrick White: $28.1 million Anfernee Simons: $27.6 million Sam Hauser: $10 million Georges Niang: $8.2 million Payton Pritchard: $7.2 million Baylor Scheierman: $2.6 million Xavier Tillman: $2.5 million Neemias Queta: $2.3 million Jordan Walsh: $2.2 million (non-guaranteed) No. 28 pick: $2.5 million JD Davison: $2.2 million (team option) Total: $203 million to 13 players THINGS CELTICS CAN NOW DO BY GETTING UNDER SECOND APRON THRESHOLD Aggregate (combine) salaries in a trade: This is a simple but significant tool. Before, Boston could only send out one player at a time in a trade. Now, Boston can ship out multiple players in a deal simultaneously. Advertisement Send out cash in a trade: NBA teams are permitted to send up to $7.2 million in a trade during a season if they are below the second apron. This can become a valuable sweetener to convince a team to take on an unwanted contract. The Celtics did not have access to use this money at all in trades last season. Now, it's a weapon at their disposal again for deals in 2025. Access to 2033 first-round pick to trade: The Celtics will have to wait a couple of years (and stay under the second apron) to have access to trade their 2032 first-round pick after staying above the second apron last year. However, their 2033 first round pick has been unfrozen by dipping under the second apron now. RESTRICTIONS CELTICS STILL FACE WHILE ABOVE FIRST APRON ($195 MILLION) Access to smaller taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.7 million): The Celtics' usage of this MLE would trigger a hard cap at the second apron ($207 million). Given where Boston is with their repeater tax penalties, it would be surprising to see Boston use the MLE this offseason since getting under the tax line entirely could be a priority. Advertisement Can't take back more than 100 percent of salary sent out in trade: This is a simple restriction that was also in place for all second apron teams. Essentially, Boston can't send out a $30 million dollar player and take back one making $31 million. The salary matching rules get much easier to manage if the Celtics drop below the first apron ($195 million), which would require trimming another $8 million in salary. Can't use traded player exceptions (yet): The Celtics have created a pretty big TPE ($22 million) in the Kristaps Porzingis trade but don't have access to it if their payroll stays this high. That changes if they drop under the first apron. Final thoughts The Celtics' initial moves trimmed roughly $260 million in payroll and luxury tax penalties for the 2025-26 season. However, Boston is still facing a sizable tax bill ($68 million) with their current roster and has basketball incentives to keep trimming the payroll as well in order to open the door for more flexibility and team building tools moving forward. Advertisement Getting below the first apron ($195 million) is a logical next step for Boston and it would not be surprising at all to see Boston give themselves the option to get under the luxury tax threshold entirely ($187 million) for the 2025-26 season. More Celtics content Read the original article on MassLive.
