Trail Blazers Stun the NBA Once More: What This Means for Fans and the Future

The Portland Trail Blazers took a surprising approach in the 2025 NBA Draft, causing quite a stir among fans and analysts. With the 11th pick, expectations were high, especially since it was a strong draft class. General Manager Joe Cronin hinted there were plenty of solid players available, but the decisions that followed raised eyebrows.

Initially, they selected Cedric Coward, a promising guard from Washington State, but quickly traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies for the 16th pick and a future first-round pick from Orlando. This trading strategy makes sense in a deep draft—sometimes moving down can net greater value. The Blazers aimed for more future opportunities.

When it was their turn again at the 16th pick, many anticipated the selection of Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis. Instead, they chose Hansen Yang (or Yang Hansen), a 7’1 center from China. His selection was met with silence, a stark contrast to the usual excitement of draft night.

Yang possesses a strong offensive game and decent inside defense, but he lacks mobility. Some compare him to Donovan Clingan, who has proven shot-blocking abilities, suggesting Yang might miss some crucial elements of a modern center’s role. Draft analysts had projected him in the second round, which only adds to the criticism surrounding the pick.

The pressure on Yang will be immense. He needs to outperform Coward and other notable names like Carter Bryant and Derik Queen—players the Blazers could have selected instead. Earlier in the draft, the Spurs snagged center Khaman Maluach, highlighting the stakes for Portland.

It’s worth noting that Cronin’s strategy might come from a deeper plan. He has shown an interest in acquiring future assets, which aligns with rebuilding efforts. His approach has already garnered critical future picks, contrasting with the previous GM’s strategies that left the team short on assets.

This draft choice reflects a larger trend in the NBA. Teams are increasingly focused on versatility and speed. As expert Sam Vecenie from The Athletic points out, the league is moving toward smaller, more agile players, making big men less relevant if they can’t keep up.

The Rip City community will watch with anticipation to see if Yang becomes a significant player. If he develops quickly, the Blazers could have made a savvy move. However, if he falls short while others shine, it will intensify the scrutiny of their decision-making.

As for now, Blazers fans can only hope to see Yang shine on the court. The stakes are high, and this draft will define the team’s direction for years to come. Time will tell if Portland’s unconventional route leads to success or regret.



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