Hansen was selected by the Utah Jazz in the third round of the 1983 NBA draft, the 54th overall pick. Hansen appeared in 55 games during his rookie season with the Jazz, averaging 2.7 points per game and 7.6 minutes per game. By the 1985–86 season, Hansen was a regular starter for the Jazz.
The Utah Jazz selected Hansen in the third round of the 1983 NBA draft, picking him 54th overall. As a rookie, Hansen played in 55 games, scoring an average of 2.7 points per game and averaging 7.6 minutes on the court. By the start of the 1985–86 season, Hansen had become a key player for the Jazz.