Latest news with #KlutchProDay
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
7-foot-2 NBA draft prospect from China drawing comparisons to 3-time MVP Nikola Jokic
The post 7-foot-2 NBA draft prospect from China drawing comparisons to 3-time MVP Nikola Jokic appeared first on ClutchPoints. Scouts were always high on the prospects entering the 2025 NBA draft. For the majority of the 2024-2025 season, 7-foot-2 Hansen Yang fell into the category of a mystery player or a 'draft and stash' prospect. Advertisement People were skeptical about whether Yang's dominance in China could translate to the NBA. However, everyone's perception of Yang changed once the NBA draft combine and Klutch Pro Day came around. Who is 2025 NBA Draft prospect Hansen Yang? Yang has flown under the radar on most draft boards, not just because of the surplus of talent in this year's class, but for three main reasons: – Limited sample size in his game. – Recent track record of Chinese players playing in the NBA – Inferior competition Born in 2005, Yang isn't following the mold of slender, 7-foot unicorns who shoot threes all game. Yang is more of an old-school big who relies on his IQ and soft touch to generate offense. Advertisement Yang is currently in his second season in the CBA. In his first 10 games with the Qingdao Eagles, he averaged 16.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. Last season as a rookie, Yang averaged similar numbers and won Defensive Player of the Year. Last April, the NBA and ESPN released their latest mock drafts. Both had Yang as a late second-round pick, around the late 40s to early 50s. At the draft Combine, Yang was determined to change the narrative. As a player whose perceived weakness is with his lateral speed and quickness, Yang finished in the top 5 among centers in all dynamic performance tests. This includes the shuttle run, lane agility drill, and 3/4 sprint. Why Yang has been compared to the likes of Alperen Sengun, Nikola Vucevic, and Nikola Jokic The comparisons were always there. Most scouts just refused to give in to the hype because of his competition. During the combine, Yang's bag was on full display. On a day when most people pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of the projected top picks of the draft, Yang's play took the headlines. Advertisement He showed that he can extend his range, score (and defend) in the post against stronger centers, and deliver accurate passes. There's still a lot more scouts need to see from Yang in the coming days. Luckily, he is represented by Klutch Sports. If for some odd reason he won't hear his name called on draft night, Rich Paul most likely has something up his sleeve that ensures Yang is in the best situation for him to develop and make an NBA roster. If so, he could become a steal like Jokic. Related: Stephen A. Smith sends final NBA All-Star Game warning Related: NBA rumors: Why Tim MacMahon 'won't dismiss' Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for Knicks
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Anthony Davis' Change in Physical Appearance Turns Heads
In one of the most unexpected trades in recent NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks executed a blockbuster deal that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas. The move shocked the NBA community, and is widely regarded as one of the most controversial deals in league history. Since joining the Mavericks, Davis delivered solid performances, averaging 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game with a 51.6% field goal percentage. However, his first season in Dallas was marred by injuries, including a left adductor strain that sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis. © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Despite these setbacks, Davis showed flashes of his brilliant self and is expected to be a center figure for the new-look Mavericks next season. Advertisement On Wednesday, Davis made the trip to a place he once called home. The 10x All-Star was spotted at the Lakers' practice facility at the Klutch Pro Day, wearing a Dallas Mavericks hat. The image quickly circulated on social media. One things fans noticed was Davis seemingly sporting a new haircut. "No way did he cut his hair?" one asked. "Damm did he cut his hair ?" asked another. "And he got the 2019-2020 season cut too," said one. "He cut the hair, now he finna cut back to PF weight we getting prime mobility back #scaryhours," said another. "He cut the hair we going back to PF," another added. "PELICANS HAIR AD," said another. Advertisement It's worth noting Davis is wearing a hat, so it is hard to tell exactly what hairstyle he is sporting, but it looks to many fans that he has indeed gotten a cut. During his time in LA, Davis helped the Lakers win an NBA championship in 2020 and the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament in 2023. He was a cornerstone of the team's defense and a consistent offensive threat, earning multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors. Related: Shaquille O'Neal Didn't Hold Back on Michael Jordan's Return to NBA Related: LeBron James Sends Message to NBA Fans on Tuesday
