After building his young career in China, Hansen Yang signed with a top agency and will enter the NBA Draft.
Hansen Yang Declares for NBA Draft
The 2025 NBA Draft just became a bit more interesting with the announcement of Hansen Yan’s entry into the draft pool. In a draft filled with stretch fours all over the place, the 18-year-old will fit right in, possibly making himself a mid-to-late first-round pick.
NEWS: Qingdao’s Hansen Yang has declared for the NBA Draft, Klutch Sports Group told ESPN. The 7’1, 19-year old is averaging 16.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and a league-leading 2.7 blocks per game in the Chinese CBA. pic.twitter.com/T3QUodHDSl
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 16, 2025
Due to Klutch Sports’ release of the announcement, you can definitely say that he hired Klutch to represent him. That news, in itself, conjures ideas of where Yang will end up during his first NBA contract. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express broke the story, with this tweet.
Who is Hansen Yang?
First and foremost, the prospect stands seven feet one and weighs 250 pounds. That weight breaks evenly and does not sit in one particular area that could weigh Yang down as he runs. Many players who stand over seven feet tall will lack the agility and ability to run on the open floor.
Yet, the soon-to-be rookie doesn’t slouch when foot speed becomes a requirement. Now, don’t get that wrong. You will not confuse Yang for Victor Wembanyama in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Already dominating the Chinese Basketball Association, he scored 16.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.7 blocks, and one steal.
If you watch what unbiased analysts think about the standout CBA player, a consensus forms. In the era of hot takes, seeing uniformity of talent breakdown raises the greenest of flags. First, Sports Illustrated discussed the prospect, stating:
“Yang could not be more different. He has NBA size and strength, coming in at 7-foot-1 and roughly 250 pounds. He is immovable in the CBA. He dominated the backboards at both ends by getting into whatever rebounding position he wanted, and opponents often had to hope the ball didn’t bounce his way. ”
“On offense, he is regularly the fulcrum of his team’s actions and plays. On most of his possessions, he catches the ball at the top of the arc, similar to the likes of Nikola Jokic, Domantas Sabonis, and others. He even brings the ball up the court sometimes if his teammates are being pressured full court. ”
Mentioning players like Sabonis and Jokic gives Yang the distinction of becoming a player to build an offense around. Meanwhile, he could provide rim protection, allowing the guards and wings to take a more aggressive defensive approach.
Lastly, NBA Draft Room aligns with Sports Illustrated’s assessment, stating:
“Yang has the size and a nice developing skill set, but might not have the mobility to make it in the league. He’s one to watch over the coming years to see how he develops.”
Laker Connections
Fans already projected where Yang will end up. By nature of his agency, Klutch Sports. Klutch Sports’ founder, Rich Paul, boasts a 23-year friendship with Lebron James. In fact, Klutch represents players like James, De’Aaron Fox, and Tyrese Maxey, just to name a few. Klutch made things possible for Bronny James to end up on the Lakers. As a result, the agency can more than certainly bring him to Los Angeles.
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For argument’s sake, if Hansen Yang ends up with the Lakers, he will become the third or fourth option as he learns the American style of basketball. In a way that suits him best, as he needs time to acclimate to a new style of basketball. When LeBron finally retires, he could form a powerful duo with Luka Doncic. The inside-out game mixed with the pick-and-roll will greatly benefit him for years to come.
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