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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Top Prospects Entering March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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23. Zhou Qi, Xinjiang Flying Tigers

Position: Center

Age: 20 (1/16/1996)

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

Slash Line: .603/.600/.758

Season Averages: 34.2 MPG, 15.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 3.2 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 3PM

Analysis

How can one possibly ignore upside like this? Very few are questioning that Zhou Qi will face a serious uphill battle as he adjusts to the pace and physicality of the NBA, but he’s a 7’2″ center with a near 7’7″ wingspan and a jump shot that ranges beyond the 3-point line.

Qi could be a bust, but if a team hits the mark in developing his potential, it could get one of the most dynamic players in NBA history.

That may seem extreme, but let’s be honest: how many times have we seen a player of this cut? Qi can overwhelm opponents with his height and length, shoot over them with 3-point range, block shots without leaving his feet, and even has a developing post game that’s fundamentally strong.

It’s irrational to project anyone achieving all-time greatness, and Qi may never attain it, but size, length, and skill are rarely combined in this manner.

For perspective, Kristaps Porzingis is only an inch taller than Qi. Porzingis is well on his way to a fruitful career—no player 7’3″ or taller had ever made 50 3-point field goals, and Porzingis is already at 69—and Qi could achieve something similar.

Qi has a great head on his shoulders and an impressive understanding of the game, but the bust potential is just as legitimate as the superstar upside is tantalizing.

Next: The 3-and-D Specialist