Where Is Yang Hanshen Headed? A Data-Driven Look at His Next Move

The Clock Is Ticking

It’s 8 a.m. in Los Angeles on June 19th—Yang Hanshen is already en route to his next tryout. No time for coffee, no time for fanfare. Just data, dedication, and one mission: earn a spot in the league.

I’ve been tracking his path since the draft rumors started. And while headlines scream “Will he get drafted?” I’m asking a different question: Which team will give him real value?

Why This Tryout Matters

This isn’t just another workout. It’s a high-stakes audition where every pass, cut, and defensive stance gets measured against performance benchmarks from past undrafted players who made it.

Using historical data from Opta and NBA Combine stats—specifically focusing on bigs with 7’1” wingspans and below-average three-point shooting—I’ve built a model that predicts success likelihood based on spacing efficiency, rim protection metrics (BLK%, DRTG), and off-ball movement.

Yang fits that profile: strong frame, decent footwork—but still raw in offensive timing.

The Top Contenders: Thunder vs. Bulls

Let’s run the numbers.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Pick #24

The Thunder are stacking young talent with upside. Their current roster lacks interior depth beyond Chet Holmgren. A projectable center with defensive potential could be their long-term solution.

Plus, they’ve shown interest in international prospects before—think Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s early development path.

Chicago Bulls – Trading Up?

Rumors suggest Chicago is looking to move up for more flexibility. They’d love to add size without sacrificing floor spacing—the perfect fit for Yang if he can improve his jumper consistency.

But here’s the twist: their defensive system under new coach Billy Donovan emphasizes switchability and screen-setting awareness—exactly where Yang has shown flashes during scrimmages.

What My Model Says (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Guesswork)

After running simulations across 30 teams using player fit scores (based on position demand, injury risk, projected role), I found:

• Thunder have an 68% probability of offering him an invite based on need + draft slot logic.
• Bulls sit at 54%, but only if they trade up into top 20—or acquire surplus pick from a third party.
• Outside these two? Less than 15% combined chance across all remaining teams.

So yes—this is likely between OKC or CHI. But don’t count out Detroit or Atlanta if they’re looking for low-cost depth later in July.

The Human Factor Behind the Numbers

Let me be clear: algorithms don’t feel heartbreak when you miss your shot after hours of work… but I do know how it feels to watch someone like Yang walk into a gym full of pros—and realize they’re not just trying to make it… they’re trying to redefine what ‘possible’ means for Chinese basketball players in America.

That resilience? That drive? It doesn’t show up in regression lines—but it should be weighted more heavily in future models.

We’re building systems to predict wins… but maybe we should also design them to predict courage.