The Portland Trail Blazers took an unexpected turn in the 2025 NBA Draft, making decisions that left analysts scratching their heads and fans split between frustration and hope. Starting with the 11th pick, the Blazers were part of a highly regarded draft class, filled with promising young talent. General Manager Joe Cronin had previously assured fans that quality players would be available at their position, setting the stage for a night full of surprises.
Among the potential candidates for the Blazers were notable players like Carter Bryant from Arizona, Cedric Coward from Washington State, and Noa Essengue from France. However, the Blazers opted to select Coward, a standout in the pre-draft process, before trading him to the Memphis Grizzlies. This trade netted them the 16th pick and a future first-round pick in 2028, originally belonging to the Orlando Magic. In a draft as deep as this one, trading down can be an effective strategy, and acquiring an additional first-round pick was seen as a smart move by many analysts.
When the Blazers were on the clock again, many anticipated a selection from the list of top prospects still available, including Derik Queen from Maryland and Thomas Sorber from Georgetown. Instead, in a shocking turn, the Blazers selected Hansen Yang (traditionally known as Yang Hansen) from China. This choice was met with a mix of disbelief and disappointment, reminiscent of the whimsical reactions in Dr. Seuss stories.
Yang, a towering 7'1" center with a 7'3" wingspan, possesses a face-up game and can score effectively at the rim. He is noted for his passing skills and decent positional defense, but his lack of mobility raises concerns. Yang's game has been compared to Donovan Clingan, albeit without the proven shot-blocking prowess. While the potential advantages of having two large centers are clear, the questions surrounding Yang's selection remain.
Critics of the Blazers' decision point to the fact that most projections had Yang pegged as a second-round talent. Without a second-round pick to secure him later, the Blazers were left with little choice but to take the plunge at 16. If Yang was indeed their intended target, the trade down was a stroke of genius, allowing them to gain extra value. However, if he fails to develop into a significant contributor, the Blazers' choice will be scrutinized against the players they passed up, particularly Coward.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that highly-rated center Khaman Maluach was taken just before the Blazers' pick. Additionally, Bryant was selected alongside second-overall pick Dylan Harper by the San Antonio Spurs, further deepening the wounds for Portland fans. The Spurs have had incredible luck in recent drafts, having secured the generational talent Victor Wembanyama in 2023, which only amplifies the scrutiny on the Blazers' decisions.
Despite the backlash, there are possible silver linings to consider. It’s plausible that Yang was a specific target of Cronin and Assistant GM Mike Schmitz, renowned for his talent evaluation skills. If Yang develops into a star, the Blazers' front office could be lauded for their foresight. Additionally, Cronin's strategy of accumulating future picks, including a first-rounder from the Milwaukee Bucks in 2029, indicates a long-term rebuilding approach.
However, the pressure is on for this draft to yield positive results. The Blazers' recent moves, including the trade of young guard Anfernee Simons to the Boston Celtics for veteran Jrue Holiday, heighten expectations. The stakes are high; if Yang does not flourish and other potential talents excel elsewhere, it could spell trouble for the franchise. The upcoming seasons will determine if Cronin's strategy pays off or if the Blazers remain on the fringe of playoff contention.
In this evolving landscape, the potential for a bright future exists if players like Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Hansen Yang can develop effectively. However, the Blazers must tread carefully. As the NBA landscape shifts, the strategy of selecting a less mobile center like Yang could be questioned. Ultimately, the success of this draft and the future of the franchise hinge on how quickly these players can contribute.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season unfolds. Will Yang become a cornerstone of the Blazers' future, or will he be remembered as a missed opportunity? The answers may come sooner than expected, and the pressure is on for Portland's front office to prove their decisions were the right ones.
