56th Pick in the Second Round! Warriors Eye Yang Hansen: China’s Next Big Man

The 2025 NBA Draft is still months away, but anticipation is already building around Yang Hansen, a rising Chinese prospect. The well-known mock draft site Tankathon recently updated its rankings, projecting Yang to be selected 56th overall in the second round by the Golden State Warriors. This potential pairing has sparked excitement and debate among fans and analysts alike.

Warriors’ History with Developing Big Men

If Yang Hansen does land with the Warriors, the obvious question is: can Golden State successfully develop a young big man? The team’s recent track record is far from reassuring. Their last high-profile project, James Wiseman, was drafted second overall in 2020 with lofty expectations. However, after three years in Golden State, Wiseman failed to establish himself as a consistent contributor. Even after being traded to Detroit, he has struggled to fulfill his potential.

Unfortunately, Wiseman’s woes continued this season when he suffered a devastating Achilles tendon tear in his debut with the Indiana Pacers, sidelining him for the entire year. Despite these challenges, many believe that Yang Hansen possesses a higher floor than Wiseman. With proper development and the resources available in Golden State, some speculate that Yang could even become an NBA All-Star one day.

Should Yang Be Ranked Higher?

Critics of the mock draft argue that Yang Hansen’s current projection at 56th overall is too low. According to draft analyst Rafael Barlowe, Yang is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 draft class. In a recent article, Barlowe labeled Yang a top-40 talent, praising his diverse offensive skill set, shot-blocking ability, and court vision.

Since the start of the season, Yang’s name has frequently appeared in U.S. media coverage, with most evaluations highlighting his potential and few offering significant critiques. His draft stock will likely continue to rise as scouts gain a deeper understanding of his game.

Yang Hansen’s Stellar Performance This Season

Yang Hansen has made noticeable strides in his second professional season. Through the first phase of the season, he has averaged 38 minutes per game, contributing:

• 16.3 points
• 10.8 rebounds (league leader among domestic players)
• 4.6 assists
• 2.7 blocks (league leader)
• 60.6% shooting from the field

These numbers represent a marked improvement over his rookie campaign, where he averaged just 11 minutes per game. What’s especially noteworthy is his ability to maintain efficiency while taking on a more prominent role.

Interestingly, Yang’s shot attempts per game have slightly decreased to 10.9 this season, suggesting he’s focusing on quality over quantity. However, his most exciting development lies beyond the arc. Yang has started to expand his range, attempting and converting three-pointers at an encouraging rate. In 10 games this season, he has hit at least one three-pointer in four contests, shooting 36.4% from deep while averaging 0.4 makes per game.

Unlocking Yang’s Potential with a Jump Shot

Adding a reliable jump shot has significantly increased Yang Hansen’s offensive versatility. His ability to stretch the floor forces defenses to adapt, opening up opportunities for his teammates and making his overall game more dynamic. Yang’s participation in the NBA Academy’s training camp in Australia last summer appears to have paid off, as his progress in this area is evident.

With his developing shooting touch complementing his already strong post play and rim protection, Yang Hansen is emerging as a multi-dimensional offensive threat.

The Future of China’s Basketball

Many observers believe Yang Hansen is destined to join the NBA and serve as a cornerstone for the Chinese national team. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him a rare talent in Chinese basketball, and his ceiling remains sky-high. Fans are already debating whether he could become the greatest Chinese big man since Yao Ming, a tall order given Yao’s Hall of Fame legacy.

The Warriors’ Fit

If the Warriors do select Yang Hansen, they would be getting a player with enormous potential. Golden State’s system emphasizes ball movement, off-ball screens, and intelligent decision-making—traits that align well with Yang’s playmaking ability for a big man. His shot-blocking and rebounding would also address critical needs for the Warriors, who have often lacked a dominant presence in the paint.

Yang’s journey to the NBA seems inevitable, but whether Golden State or another team provides the right environment for his development will ultimately determine his success. One thing is clear: Yang Hansen has the tools to make an impact at the next level, and basketball fans worldwide are eager to see what he can achieve.