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NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /
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20. Zhou Qi, Xinjiang Flying Tigers

Position: Center

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’2″, 209 pounds, 7’6.5″

Slash Line: .703/.556/.728

Season Averages: 34.3 MPG, 18.0 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3.0 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 3.7 BPG, 1.1 SPG,

New Year’s Resolution: Bulk Up

Zhou Qi has a number of flaws in his game that suggest stardom will be elusive in the NBA. He’s also a 7’2″ center with a near 7’7″ wingspan, range on his jump shot, impressive mobility, upside as a shot-blocker, and intriguing potential in the mid-post.

There may be more upside than established NBA-caliber ability, but it’s impossible to rationally ignore what Qi brings to the table.

Qi’s size will intrigue teams enough to put him on the radar. He’s also developed a decent hook shot, can alter shots with his mere presence and length in the paint, and has a solid midrange game.

He’s still very skinny, and that will not work in his favor in the NBA. He’ll have a hard time against slashers who aren’t afraid of contact, and doesn’t yet have the core strength or footwork to defend physical post players.

It’s not as though he’s polished in all other areas, but Zhou Qi has one goal in 2016: bulk up.

Next: Becoming a Two-Way Threat