Warriors Eye 7'2" Chinese Star? Hansen Yang's NBA Draft Stock Soars!

Warriors Eye 7'2 Warriors Eye 7'2" Chinese Star? Hansen Yang's NBA Draft Stock Soars!

The NBA Draft is just around the corner, and teams are scrambling to finalize their draft boards. The Golden State Warriors, armed with the 41st overall pick, are reportedly looking at international talent to bolster their roster. One name generating buzz is Hansen Yang, a towering 7'2" center from China.

Yang's Impressive Stats in the CBA

Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Warriors recently hosted Yang for a pre-draft workout. Yang, a two-time CBA All-Star with the Qingdao Eagles, has turned heads with his impressive numbers. In 45 games this season, he averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. What's even more intriguing is his willingness to step out and shoot the three, connecting on 33.3% of his attempts.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Modern Big Man?

While his size is undeniable, scouts are also impressed by Yang's passing ability. He possesses a surprising knack for finding open teammates, a valuable asset in today's NBA. However, his slow foot speed raises concerns about his defensive versatility. He's likely limited to drop coverage schemes and could be vulnerable against quicker players.

Despite these concerns, Yang's performance at the NBA Combine piqued the interest of several teams. He showcased his all-around game, finishing one scrimmage with 11 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and a block. Those assist numbers are particularly appealing to teams searching for a big man who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

NBA Draft Projections and Player Comparisons

Yang is currently projected to be a second-round pick. Some scouts have drawn comparisons to established NBA players like Nikola Vucevic, Dewayne Dedmon, and even a bigger Domantas Sabonis. While comparing him to two All-Stars like Vucevic and Sabonis might be a stretch, a more realistic comparison is Dedmon, a solid role player who provides size, rebounding, and shooting. Landing a Dedmon-type player in the second round would be considered a win for any team.

Yang's Rising Draft Stock

Recent reports suggest that Yang's draft stock is on the rise. Mock drafts are now projecting him to be selected earlier in the second round, with some placing him as high as the mid-30s. This surge in popularity is likely due to his impressive workouts and the growing demand for versatile big men in the NBA.

Could the Warriors Take a Chance?

With the 41st pick, the Warriors might consider taking a chance on Yang. His potential as a stretch-five with passing skills could be a valuable addition to their roster. However, they'll need to weigh his defensive limitations against his offensive upside. If Yang is still available when their pick rolls around, he could be an intriguing option for the Warriors as they look to add young talent to their championship-caliber team.

It will be interesting to see if the Warriors select him, or if another team snags him up first. Stay tuned to newsrpt.com for more updates on the NBA Draft!

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