What does Yang Hansen take to establish his foothold in the NBA?

As a potential rising star of the Chinese men's basketball team, Yang Hansen has announced his participation in the 2025 NBA draft and has received widespread attention at home and abroad. His NBA prospects depend on multiple factors, including technical characteristics, adaptability and the needs of NBA teams. The following is an analysis of his advantages and challenges:

Yang Hansen is based on the core advantages of the NBA

1. Excellent basketball IQ and passability

- Yang Hansen is known as the "Chinese version of Jokic", good at supporting high positions and passing balls at low positions, and has an excellent overall view. At the U19 World Cup, he averaged 4.7 assists per game, showing outstanding organizational skills.

- NBA scouts believe that his passing vision and decision-making ability are close to Jokic and Shin Kyung, which is extremely precious in modern NBA centers.

2. Defensive deterrence

- He averaged 2.6 blocks per game in the CBA (2024-25 season), has excellent basket protection ability and large defensive coverage.

- NBA scouts suggested that he learn the defensive skills of Gobert and Lopez of the Greater, and improve his pick-and-roll defense.

3. Technical Comprehensiveness

- He has the ability to play singles at a low post and shoot in the middle distance. His three-point shooting percentage has increased to 34.5% this season, which meets the needs of the NBA space-type inside.

- His footsteps and feel are soft and can adapt to the NBA's offensive system.

4. Age and potential

- Under 20 years old, there is still huge room for growth. NBA teams value the plasticity of young players more than the ability to fight.

Yang Hansen's main challenge based on the NBA

1. The movement speed is slow

- NBA scouts pointed out that his lateral movement and return defense speeds are slow and may be targeted by the opponent, especially when switching to the outside.

- The modern NBA emphasizes rapid offensive and defensive conversions, and his speed disadvantage may affect playing time.

2. Inadequate adversity

- The CBA's adversity level is much lower than that of the NBA, and he needs to strengthen his core strength to deal with physical confrontations at the NBA level.

3. Game experience and psychological quality

- His performance in the CBA playoffs was ups and downs, and his efficiency decreased when facing high-intensity defense.

- The NBA's competitive environment is more cruel, and he needs to quickly adapt to psychological pressure.

Yang Hansen's NBA prospects

Short-term goal: strive for a second round selection or two-way contract, and adapt to the NBA rhythm through the Development League (G League).

-Long-term development: If speed and projection stability can be improved, it can become a rotation-level insider, and even develop in the direction of Jokic and Shin Kyung.

Chinese market factors: The NBA may value its business value and give more opportunities to cultivate.

Summary

Yang Hansen's foundation lies in his basketball IQ, passing ability and defensive potential, but speed and confrontation are still key shortcomings. If he can improve his shortcomings through special training and find a suitable position in the NBA system (such as a support center), he is expected to gain a foothold in the league.