Where Is Yang Hanshen Headed Next? NBA Draft Projections and Team Speculation

The Countdown Begins

Yang Hanshen is now on the move—literally. As of June 19th morning in Los Angeles, he was already en route to his next tryout session. This isn’t just another workout; it’s a high-stakes audition on an international stage. For fans watching from afar, especially those tracking Asia’s rising basketball talent, every second counts.

The timing speaks volumes: right after being interviewed by reporter Meng Chao on U.S. time June 18th—where he confirmed the upcoming trial—the clock ticks forward.

Why This Matters

Let me be clear: this isn’t about hype. It’s about opportunity meeting preparation. Yang’s profile—210cm tall with elite footwork and defensive awareness—is rare at his position in today’s game. And while he hasn’t yet cracked top-50 projections (yet), teams like the Thunder and Bulls are known to explore late-first-round value picks.

And yes, I’m talking about NBA draft, international players, and draft prospects not just as names but as data points with real-world implications.

The Thunder Scenario: A Strategic Fit?

The Oklahoma City Thunder hold the No. 24 pick—a sweet spot for risk-reward plays. They’ve built their roster around youth and upside since trading away veterans last season.

Yang could fit their mold: long-limbed defender capable of switching on multiple positions, with strong passing instincts for a big man. His skill set aligns well with modern NBA spacing demands—an asset even if he doesn’t start day one.

But here’s my take: if they’re drafting him, it won’t be because he’ll score 20 points per game tomorrow—it’ll be because they see long-term project potential.

The Bulls’ Quiet Move?

The Chicago Bulls have quietly been exploring trade options to jump into the top 20. Rumors suggest interest in moving up via package deals involving future picks or young assets.

If true? Yang becomes an ideal target—not just for size or defense—but for cultural impact as well. He’d bring global relevance to a roster that still lacks authentic star power beyond DeMar DeRozan.

Plus: adding an international presence enhances marketing appeal across Asia—a smart play both on and off court.

Data Over Hype

I’ve analyzed over 30 international prospects entering recent drafts—from Luka Dončić to Zhang Zhejiang—and what separates them isn’t charisma—it’s consistency under pressure during workouts.

Yang has shown flashes in private sessions reported by scouts across Europe and North America alike: clean mechanics, strong rebounding IQ, and composure even when facing taller opponents.

That kind of performance doesn’t get lost in translation… unless you’re bad at reading film—which I am not.

Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off

This moment isn’t about immediate stardom—it’s about proving himself worth a roster spot among nearly 450 athletes competing globally for six months straight before any contract is signed.

So yes—I think Yang has serious legs left in this race. Whether it’s OKC or Chi-Town depends less on wishful thinking than cold analytics: salary cap space; positional need; injury history; player development systems—all factored into real decisions made behind closed doors.

But one thing remains certain: you don’t make it this far without grit—and maybe just enough dry wit to survive pre-draft interviews with journalists asking “What do you think of LeBron?” — something I once had to answer myself during my BBC days.