The Portland Trail Blazers took a massive gamble on Yang Hansen with the No. 16 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Although his rookie campaign has been underwhelming, it's far too early to declare him a draft bust. Hansen is just 20 years old; he deserves the benefit of the doubt as the Blazers continue developing their multi-year project.
It remains to be seen if that pick will ultimately pan out. But in the meantime, Portland is already set at the starting center spot thanks to Donovan Clingan's second-year breakout.
Donovan Clingan's safe floor is the Blazers' best insurance policy
Clingan built on an encouraging All-Rookie season, improving in key areas such as conditioning and three-point shooting. Combined with an increased role following Deandre Ayton's buyout, he's returning value on Portland's draft investment the year prior.
The Blazers' front office received criticism for the shocking Hansen selection. Not only was it perceived as a massive reach on a universally projected second-round pick, but they already had their center position solidified with Clingan. The consecutive first-round investments at the center spot were questionable, particularly because neither player is quick enough to play the four in the modern NBA.
It was already apparent that Clingan was a starting-level center after just one season, as everything he did well at UConn seamlessly translated to the next level. His physical tools and interior dominance gave him one of the safest floors in the entire 2024 draft class.
However, it's that same floor that justifies the Blazers' Hansen gamble.
Odds are Hansen's career trajectory falls somewhere in between draft bust and steal. But those extremes are more likely to occur with Hansen relative to the other prospects, given the boom or bust nature of the pick.
Clingan's safe floor gives the Blazers much-needed insurance in case they truly did miss on the Hansen pick. Their rebuild wouldn't take a massive hit, especially since they added a future first-round pick (2028 via Orlando) in their draft day trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Conversely, if they did nail the unconventional Hansen pick, that would change their entire rebuilding trajectory by drastically raising the ceiling of this roster.
Hansen himself is a high-risk, high-reward selection. But it's not necessarily the same risk for Portland, given their roster construction. Their rebuild is in fine shape regardless, and it's largely because of how good Clingan already is.
Portland should still add frontcourt depth this offseason. But that doesn't diminish how good their current frontcourt is. Clingan's safe floor and underrated ceiling, paired with their risky Hansen gamble, give them the ideal blend of upside and insurance.