From Bowie to Hansen: A History of Blazers' Big Men
The Portland Trail Blazers have a storied tradition of boasting some of the most talented centers and power forwards in NBA history. From dominant rim protectors to skilled post players, the Blazers have been home to exceptional big men who've thrilled fans and shaped the franchise's identity. As we enter an exciting new era with our latest addition, it's the perfect time to reflect on the legacy of Blazers centers who came before—and look ahead to the future.
Sam Bowie: The Promising Start
In 1984, the Trail Blazers made one of the most discussed draft picks in NBA history—selecting Sam Bowie second overall ahead of a young Michael Jordan! While history would judge that pick differently, there's no denying that Bowie was an incredible athlete. Standing 7 feet tall, Bowie had elite athleticism, mobility, and skill for a big man of his era. He was a legitimate shot-blocker and rebounder who showed flashes of brilliance.
Unfortunately, injuries plagued Bowie's career, preventing him from reaching his full potential in Portland. This would prove to be a common theme for Portland centers for decades to come. Still, for those moments when he was healthy, fans witnessed an exceptionally talented big man who could have defined an era of Blazers basketball.
Arvydas Sabonis: A Late-Career Gift
If Bowie represented promise cut short, Arvydas Sabonis represented redemption. The Lithuanian legend arrived in Portland in 1996 at age 31, well past his prime after years of dominance in Europe and the Soviet Union. Yet even in his later years, Sabonis was a revelation.
Sabonis brought a level of basketball IQ and skilled play to the center position that had rarely been seen in the NBA at his size. At 7 feet 3 inches, he could pass like a guard, shoot from distance, and play textbook defense. He was the anchor of the great Blazers teams of the late 1990s and helped the franchise return to relevance. Sabonis earned All-Star selections in Portland and proved that veteran skill and basketball wisdom could be just as valuable as raw athleticism.
LaMarcus Aldridge: The Franchise Pillar
LaMarcus Aldridge arrived in Portland in 2006 as the second overall pick and became the most successful homegrown Blazers big man of the modern era. At 6 feet 11 inches, Aldridge was a force in the post with a soft touch and mid-range prowess that made him nearly impossible to defend.
Over his nine seasons wearing red and black, Aldridge became the face of the franchise. He was a six-time All-Star, led the Blazers back to playoff relevance, and formed one of the most dynamic duos in basketball with Damian Lillard. His consistent excellence, work ethic, and clutch performances made him the gold standard for Blazers big men in recent history. Though he eventually moved on to greener pastures, Aldridge's legacy in Portland remains secure.
Greg Oden: The Can't-Miss Prospect
Fast forward to 2007, and the Blazers drafted Greg Oden first overall. Oden was widely considered the most dominant prospect since LeBron James entered the league. At 7 feet with incredible footwork, strength, and fundamentals, Oden seemed destined to revolutionize the center position. His pre-game warm-ups alone were Instagram gold before Instagram even existed.
But like Bowie, injuries derailed Oden's Portland career before it could truly flourish. Knee injuries began almost immediately, and despite flashes of his enormous potential, Oden never fully developed in a Blazers uniform. The "what could have been" factor remains one of the franchise's greatest sources of curiosity and frustration.
Yang Hansen: The Future Arrives
Now, the Trail Blazers are embarking on an exciting new chapter. Yang Hansen, the 7-foot-2 center from China, was acquired by Portland through a draft trade in June 2025. At just 20 years old, Hansen is the ninth Chinese player drafted to the NBA and the third-highest draft pick ever from China.
What makes Hansen special? According to Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin, Hansen possesses a "very, very unique talent" with great size, a high-end skillset, exceptional passing ability, high basketball IQ, and versatile post functionality. The front office believes he'll develop into a good free-throw shooter and perimeter jump shot maker while defending intelligently with his size and understanding of the game.
Hansen comes from Zibo, Shandong Province, and sees his role with the Trail Blazers as creating his own path in the NBA while representing China at the highest level of basketball. For young basketball players in China and across Asia, his arrival in Portland carries enormous significance.
The Weight of Expectation
Hansen enters the NBA amid high expectations, both locally and on a global scale. Hopes for Yang are higher in his home nation of China than any player since Hall of Famer Yao Ming. The Trail Blazers organization is taking the interest seriously—they're even hiring a social media staffer who speaks Mandarin to engage with the wave of new fans tuning in to follow Hansen's career.
But Hansen himself seems grounded. When asked about the pressure, Hansen acknowledged: "The best thing I can do is focus on my game, just follow my teammates, and see what I can do for them and what I can do for the team."
A Timeless Tradition
What ties together Bowie, Oden, Sabonis, and Aldridge with Hansen is the same thing that's attracted great big men to Portland for decades: the opportunity to be a franchise cornerstone in a basketball-crazy city that appreciates skill, work ethic, and commitment.
Hansen arrives as a young prospect with limitless potential—he represents a different trajectory than Aldridge's immediate impact or Sabonis's veteran wisdom. He was the 2024 CBA Defensive Player of the Year and averaged 16.6 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Qingdao Eagles, showing he already has professional pedigree.
Whether Hansen becomes the next great Blazers big man in a tradition spanning decades remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Portland fans should buckle up for an exciting ride! The Trail Blazers have a history of believing in their big men, and Hansen arrives with the skill, basketball IQ, and support system to potentially become the next chapter in this storied legacy.
Welcome to Portland, Hansen! The city is ready to help you blaze a trail through the NBA!
