Chinese basketball star Yang Hansen has officially signed a four-year, $21.4 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, marking a milestone for Asian athletes in the NBA. The 20-year-old center was selected 16th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, becoming the third Chinese player drafted in the first round after Yao Ming (2002) and Yi Jianlian (2007).
Yang brings an impressive resume from his time with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he averaged 15.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game over two seasons. His defensive prowess earned him the CBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023-24, along with multiple All-Star selections.
The Trail Blazers outmaneuvered several teams to secure Yang, who drew attention during pre-draft workouts with his 7-foot-2 frame and versatile skills. Portland GM Joe Cronin praised Yang's "high-end skill set" and basketball IQ, while coach Chauncey Billups highlighted his polished fundamentals: "A lot of things I have to teach young guys, I don't have to teach this kid."
Yang joins a rebuilding Trail Blazers roster that recently acquired two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday. He'll compete for playing time at center alongside Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams as Portland looks to improve on back-to-back losing seasons.
This signing reinforces growing Asian representation in global sports, offering new opportunities for cross-cultural engagement through basketball. Analysts will watch how Yang's development impacts both the Trail Blazers' rebuild and the NBA's popularity across Asian markets.
