Is Hansen Yang the Next Nikola Jokic? And Should the Hawks Draft Him?

May 19

Meet Hansen Yang—a 7-foot-1 big man out of China who, just a few weeks ago, was flying completely under the radar. Now? He’s lighting up the pre-draft process and catching the attention of NBA fans, scouts, and yes, your Atlanta Hawks.

How did Hansen Yang go from mystery man to potential lottery pick? Two reasons:

A jaw-dropping NBA Combine performance
A slick social media post that got everyone talking

Let’s break it all down and ask the big question: Are the Atlanta Hawks about to draft the next Nikola Jokic?

From Unknown to Unmissable

At the NBA Combine, Hansen Yang didn’t just show up—he showed out. Sure, he’s got the size (7'1", 250 lbs), but what really turned heads was his skill:

He facilitated offense like a point guard
He threw no-look passes, spun in the post, and read defenses like a seasoned vet
He made his teammates better—always one step ahead

Oh, and then he changed his Weibo profile pic to Jokic. That’s right. A subtle flex that started an avalanche of comparisons.

So… Is the Jokic Comparison Fair?

Let’s pump the brakes—no one becomes Jokic overnight. But the early signs are spicy:

Elite vision for his size
Comfortable operating at the top of the key
Willing passer and offensive initiator

Here’s what one scout tweeted:

“Hansen Yang’s offensive talent is NBA first-round worthy, if not deserving of lottery talk… He sees the game one step ahead and makes his teammates better.”

Another added:

“While many centers are called offensive hubs, Yang has actually shown he can be one.”

Why the Hawks Are (Very) Interested

According to reports, the Atlanta Hawks were one of the first teams to send scouts to China just to watch Hansen Yang. That’s not nothing. If you’re burning those frequent flyer miles, it means one thing: you’re serious.

And it makes sense. The Hawks have picks #13 and #22 in this year’s draft, and they could use:

Size: Onyeka Okongwu is a beast, but undersized. Yang adds true center height.
Bench facilitation: When Trae Young sits, the offense sputters. Yang could run the second unit.
Versatility: He could be a matchup nightmare, a low-post threat, or a connector in Quin Snyder’s ball-movement-heavy system.

Strategic Play: Trade Up?

If word gets out and Yang starts climbing up draft boards, the Hawks might need to act. If they truly believe Hansen Yang is that guy, they may have to trade up into the 7–10 range to secure him.

And honestly? That wouldn’t be a bad idea.

What If He’s 70% of Jokic?

No one’s saying Hansen Yang will be a two-time MVP right away. But if he gives you even 60–70% of Jokic’s skillset at a rookie price? That’s a franchise-changing pick.

A backup big who can pass, shoot, and think the game? That’s value. A future starter with unique skills? That’s elite.

Final Word: Should the Hawks Take the Leap?

If the Hawks believe in the vision, in the upside, in the playmaking—then yes. Hansen Yang might just be the most intriguing international prospect in this draft. And the Hawks have the picks, the need, and the offensive system to make it work.

So… should Atlanta take a swing on the next Jokic?

Leave your thoughts in the comments—do you believe the hype? And who else should the Hawks target at 13 or 22?

And as always—Let’s Go Hawks!

Jaye Rochell