2016 NBA Draft: 8 Most Intriguing Prospects

Zhou Qi – China

Year: N/A
Measurements: 7’2.25″, 218.2 lbs.
Stats: 15.3 PPG 9.1 RPG, 4.3 BPG
Slash Line: N/A

Zhou Qi is a bit of an unknown prospect, but sizing Qi up is going to be tough for opposing teams. Qi’s size and athleticism is similar to that of New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis was listed at 7-foot-3, 230 pounds in DraftExpress‘ player profile.

Qi, 20, has the potential to be a good defender against multiple positions in the front court. He has lateral quickness, defends straight up and can block shots. Strength may be some concern by his lean stature, but Qi’s size and elite 9-foot-4.5 standing reach is enough to alter shots.

Qi’s height is an advantage and a disadvantage. It’s an advantage because of his reach and ability to alter shots, but it’s a disadvantage because he relies on his height and length so he doesn’t have good footwork.

His lack of strength will hurt him when he has to defend in the post, or develop an offensive post game. He’s probably best suited to play power forward due to his athleticism and ability to defend the stretch players.

DE has Qi being drafted 28th overall by the Phoenix Suns. He needs to build up strength to give himself a fair shake in the NBA. He knows how to use his athleticism on the offensive end of the court, but he relies on his size too much on both ends. He can’t take that for granted in the NBA.

Next: Thon Maker