The Portland Trail Blazers made a calculated move on draft night in 2025, trading down from No. 11 to No. 16 in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. On paper, the move looked savvy - Portland picked up a future first-rounder in 2028 (via Orlando) and still landed a player they clearly had their eye on in Yang Hansen. But as the rookie season has unfolded, it's becoming clear: Memphis may have walked away with the better end of the deal.
Let’s start with the context. The Grizzlies used that No. 11 pick to grab Cedric Coward - a two-way wing who’s been nothing short of impressive in his first NBA campaign.
He’s currently sitting fifth on the Kia Rookie Ladder, putting up 14.0 points, 6.5 boards, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field, 34% from deep, and 85% from the line. That’s a well-rounded stat line for a rookie, and it’s not just empty numbers - Coward’s game is already making a tangible impact.
He’s got that classic 3-and-D mold, the kind that fits seamlessly into any modern NBA rotation. But what’s really stood out is his mentality.
When asked about the potential of hitting the dreaded rookie wall, Coward responded, “I only fear God.” That mindset, paired with his production - including a strong 37.9% from beyond the arc in 2026 - has made him a natural fit in Memphis.
He’s helping to revive that gritty, hard-nosed identity the franchise once thrived on.
And that’s where the sting comes in for Portland. Because that same identity - defense-first, tough, and resilient - is exactly what the Blazers are trying to build.
Coward could’ve helped accelerate that vision. Instead, they rolled the dice on Hansen, a 20-year-old big man out of the Chinese Basketball Association, whose NBA fit is still very much a work in progress.
To be fair, Hansen has shown flashes. He’s got elite passing instincts for a player his size and has looked comfortable orchestrating offense in both Summer League and G League action.
The basketball IQ is there. But the problem?
Portland hasn’t been able to play to his strengths. At this level, Hansen needs the ball in his hands to unlock his potential, and that’s a luxury the Blazers haven’t been able to afford.
It’s not just about patience - though that’s certainly part of the equation with a young international prospect. It’s about fit.
Coward’s game translates instantly. He spaces the floor, defends multiple positions, and doesn’t need plays run for him to contribute.
Hansen, on the other hand, is a high-usage player still figuring out how to make an impact when he’s not the focal point.
That’s the key difference between these two rookies: scalability. Coward can slide into any lineup and hold his own.
Hansen needs a specific environment to thrive - one where he’s trusted as a playmaker and decision-maker. That’s a big ask for a rookie, especially on a team still trying to establish its core identity.
The 2028 first-rounder Portland picked up in the trade adds some long-term value, but even that comes with a caveat. The Magic - the team that originally owned the pick - have one of the most promising young rosters in the league.
By the time that pick conveys, Orlando’s core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, and Desmond Bane could be in full bloom. That likely means a late first-rounder, not the kind of asset that changes a franchise’s trajectory.
So here we are, midway through the 2025-26 season, and the early returns are leaning heavily in Memphis’ favor. They landed a plug-and-play contributor who’s already helping them win games. Portland, meanwhile, is still waiting to see what they have in Hansen - and might be waiting for a while.
It’s too early to declare a definitive winner, but if the goal of a draft-day trade is to secure long-term value while minimizing risk, the Grizzlies nailed it. They found a player who fits their culture, fills a need, and contributes right away.
The Blazers? They bet on upside - and like any long-term investment, it’s going to take time to see if it pays off.