NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

23. Zhou Qi, Xinjiang Flying Tigers

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Never Seen Before

Safe Upside Comparison: Andrea Bargnani

Position: Center

Age: 20 (1/16/1996)

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

Slash Line: .641/.583/.746

Season Averages: 34.1 MPG, 16.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 1.6 APG, 3.5 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 3PM

The Xinjiang Flying Tigers play home to the player whom many hope can be the next Chinese player to find stardom in the NBA. Yao Ming was overwhelmingly successful in that regard, but no player has successfully followed in his footsteps.

There are still areas in which he must drastically improve, but Xinjiang star Zhou Qi has the physical gifts and skill level to thrive in the modern NBA.

Standing at 7’2″ with a near 7’7″ wingspan, the physical gifts are enough to look past his thin frame and acknowledge his upside. It goes without saying that he can be a dominant shot-blocker given his size and length, and fluid athleticism only strengthens his case.

If his work ethic is comparable, then the results should be too; Zhou Qi could take the NBA by storm in the same way as Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis worked tirelessly to pack on muscle and develop enough core strength to play in the more physical NBA. If Qi is able to do the same, then the obvious upside comparison is Dirk Nowitzki due to his ability to space the floor, with many comparing  him to Rudy Gobert based on his upside as a shot-blocker.

The reality is, Qi and Porzingis are two unique players unlike any we’ve seen before.

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