Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes recently named five rookies who already look like steals of the 2025 NBA Draft, and Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen was included in that list.
The perception surrounding Portland's unconventional selection has taken a complete 180 (or 360 if you're Jason Kidd) in just a matter of months. Hansen was widely projected to be a second-round pick, which resulted in analysts deeming the Blazers taking him No. 16 overall as a reach. Now, many are saying that this "reach" is actually a steal, a transformation that Hughes notes started with Hansen's standout play in summer league.
"The shift may have started at Summer League, where the 7'1" center's highly advanced passing shone immediately. The No. 16 pick has three unteachable qualities—great hands, feet and feel—that separate him from most players at his position. He'll face some challenges athletically; Hansen isn't going to cram down lobs from above the square, and opponents will test him in space on defense. But he has something close to a superpower in his vision and facility with the ball," Hughes wrote.
Yang Hansen's long-term upside makes him a rare draft gem
For the most part, Hansen's summer league play carried over to the Blazers' preseason -- an encouraging sign considering the primary concern surrounding him as a prospect was how his game would translate to the pace, physicality, and overall competitiveness of the NBA. In four preseason games, Hansen averaged 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 2.8 turnovers in just 18.4 minutes, including 46/40/100 shooting splits.
He's already proving to be a willing and capable floor spacer, which should help open up driving lanes for Portland's young and athletic backcourt. Most importantly, he's showing potential to eventually be utilized as an offense hub for the Blazers.
No, Hansen won't win Rookie of the Year. His minutes and role will be too limited behind Donovan Clingan, and he's also just simply not as talented as the likes of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, or Ace Bailey. However, the main reason Portland's front office made this bold draft gamble was to bet on Hansen's ceiling.
The Blazers know that they need more star power in order to contend in the Western Conference, and Hansen offers hope that they'll be able to close the gap in that regard. It's rare to find a prospect in the middle of the first round who possesses the upside to emerge as a star in the league, even if it's just in flashes.
Hansen can already make an immediate impact for Portland with his size, footwork, passing, and feel for the game. But what makes this the steal of the offseason is the draft value compared to what he can eventually become.