The NBA has transformed itself over the past few years. Since the introduction of aprons, teams must draft well. However, the Portland Trail Blazers did so by breaking one of the league’s rules. This happened in the case of their 2025 draft pick, Yang Hansen, who they drafted with the 16 pick in the first half.
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According to Shams Charania, the Trail Blazers made contact with Hansen two years before the draft. The seven-footer would have been just 18 years old back then. The Blazers may have wanted to take care of the talent they scouted. Nonetheless, the NBA found out and has levied a huge punishment.
Charania revealed the Portland Trail Blazers were fined $100,000 for violating the league’s rules. In addition to the punishment, both assistant general managers, Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva, have also been suspended for two weeks. The exact duration of their suspension is still unknown. We also don’t know about the interactions between the Blazers and Hansen two years ago.
The Portland Trail Blazers have been fined $100,000 for illegal contact with Yang Hansen two years ago, prior to the 2025 NBA draft — and assistant general managers Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva have been suspended for a period of time, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 1, 2026
NBA teams aren’t forbidden from meeting with rookies before drafting them. But that’s during the draft process. Teams call up prospects for workouts, where they also conduct interviews to determine the culture fit. In this case, the Trail Blazers did so with a player who wasn’t draft-eligible at the time.
The league is strict about teams trying to influence players’ decisions. The Trail Blazers may have dodged a more punitive punishment since they admitted to wrongdoing and cooperated with the NBA.
The Portland Trail Blazers are hopeful with Yang Hansen
Portland saw the obvious parallel with Hansen. His country previously produced Yao Ming, regarded as one of the best centers in NBA history. Hansen came in at almost the same height and made his mark in the CBA. Aside from being an elite shot blocker, Hansen has the ability to shoot the ball.
That’s where the Blazers felt they got the jackpot. Then head coach Chauncey Billups was confident the 20-year-old would play regular minutes. However, the team appears to be practicing patience. They’ve sent Hansen to the G-League in different stretches throughout the regular season. That’s where he’s managed to put up some resounding performances that keep Portland intrigued.
In 14 starts with the Rip City Remix, the 20-year-old is averaging 17.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. He’s not had enough opportunities in the NBA. But the Blazers haven’t turned their backs on Hansen. They want him to be well accustomed to the NBA’s pace. The G-League could be a driver to build young players’ confidence.
Yang Hansen has done much more than show Portland he’s talented. The 16 overall pick is polishing his game and could play a major role next season. Damian Lillard’s return refreshes Portland’s competitive hopes. If Hansen can continue to stamp his claim, he could form a notorious center rotation, splitting time with Donovan Clingan.
There hasn’t been much to show for the Blazers overlooking Hansen years before the draft. But best believe they are preparing to launch him.
