Why Yáng Hànshēn’s Draft Stock Is Still Rising – The Data Behind the Noise

The Numbers Don’t Lie — But They’re Whispering

I’ve spent years training machine learning models to predict player performance from fragmented data streams: video analytics, physical metrics, even social sentiment. So when ESPN ranks Yáng Hànshēn at No. 35, HoopsHype at No. 36, and NBADraft at No. 34? I don’t see chaos—I see signals.

These aren’t random guesses. Each ranking reflects a different lens: media perception (ESPN), market sentiment (HoopsHype), or raw projection models (NBADraft). Together, they form a consensus zone: late first round to early second.

But here’s what most fans miss: The draft is not a ladder—it’s a chessboard.

Why the “Green Room” Doesn’t Matter (Yet)

The latest Green Room list has 24 names—none are Yáng Hánshēn’s.

That tells you everything.

The Green Room isn’t about talent—it’s about narrative confidence. Teams only invite players they believe will be picked within the top 14. If you’re not on that list? You’re still in the algorithmic shadows—just like many future role players were before their moment.

Yáng didn’t make it because he hasn’t been deemed a lock. But he is on every team’s radar screen.

The Real Game Is in the Tryouts

Let me break this down cold: 11 NBA teams have tested him—yes, eleven—including elite franchises like Boston, Phoenix, and Milwaukee.

Now ask yourself: Why would an organization with three All-Stars spend time on someone outside their projected top-50 if they weren’t genuinely curious?

This isn’t fluff. It’s due diligence.

Every workout is a data point—a chance to override preconceptions built from film study alone. And for someone like Yáng Hánshēn—the rare international big man with rim protection but limited offensive polish—those workouts are his best shot at rewriting the script.

He’s not trying to impress recruiters; he’s trying to erase doubt. The question isn’t whether he can play—he already can. The question is whether scouts can unlearn what they think they know about Asian centers in modern basketball systems.

Draft Night Is Pure Uncertainty — And That’s His Edge — or Danger Point —

certainly something worth tracking during NBA draft season.

### Predictions Are Just Probabilities — Not Destiny

So where could he land?

Let me give you numbers we actually use in modeling:

• Round 1: Possible picks include #27 (Brooklyn), #28 (Boston), #29 (Phoenix)—but only if those teams trade up or get lucky in deals.
• Round 2: Solid bets at #31 (Minnesota), #36 (Brooklyn), or even #34 (Charlotte)—especially if Charlotte trades out of that pick.

The truth? Even if he doesn’t go in Round 1? That’s still progress—not failure.

In fact, being drafted in Round 2 means coaches are willing to bet on development over immediate impact—that speaks volumes about his upside.

I’m not saying he’ll be a star tomorrow—but I am saying that every single one of those test sessions was an audition for relevance.

You don’t need to be elite to enter the system—you just need enough proof that you belong inside it.