Surprising Draft Chostart: Portland Trail Blazers Select Young Hansen at No. 16

A Draft Day Shock

In a surprising turn of events during the NBA Draft held late Wednesday to Thursday, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Young Hansen with the 16th overall pick. Prior to this chostart, the Blazers made the controversial decision to trade their previously held 11th pick for the 16th pick, a first-round selection belonging to the Orlando Magic in 2028, along with two second-round picks.

Young Hansen: The Selection Profile

Standing at 2.18 meters, Hansen is a center who emerged in most predictive rankings as a likely second-round pick, making his selection 18 spots earlier than anticipated. He is viewed as a player with significant potential both offensively and defensively, possessing an impressive shooting ability and mobility for a player of his height. Journalist Jake Fischer deemed the decision to draft Hansen as “shocking,” marking the second consecutive year that Portland has selected a center, following their chostart of Donovan Clingan last year.

Mixed Reactions to the Pick

Opinion among analysts is split regarding Portland’s chostart. Evan Sidery of Forbes described it as “a jaw-dropping move,” suggesting it may be the boldest gamble of this draft. However, Brett Siegel of Clutch Points expressed skepticism, stating, “Portland failed. He has potential, but he could have been picked significantly lower.”

Conversely, a prominent figure within the Denver Nuggets referred to Hansen as the “Chinese Jokic,” indicating a belief in his high basketball IQ and playmaking ability. Danny Marang, who covers the Blazers, emphasized that the team had been monitoring Hansen for over two years, believing in his exceptional basketball intellect and passing capability, which could enhance team dynamics. They were reportedly concerned another team might select him before they had a chance.

Hansen’s Performance and Outlook

Young Hansen is expected to join the Blazers’ roster this season. While considered a raw talent, he showcased impressive stats of 16.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game during his tenure in the Chinese league. The upcoming season will be a crucial period for Hansen as he works to develop his skills and contribute to his new team.

This selection marks an intriguing chapter in the ongoing development of the Trail Blazers as they continue to reshape their roster and identify key players for the future