2016 NBA Draft: Top 10 Boom Or Bust Prospects

Zhou Qi, Xinjiang Flying Tigers

Position: Center
Age: 20 (1/15/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’2.25″, 218 pounds, 7’7.75″
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

It’s irrational to state that one shouldn’t be excited by what Zhou Qi offers. He’s tantalizing physically, skilled offensively, and willing to gamble as a shot-blocker, but the elephant in the room is that he’s far too thin to play down low in the NBA.

That latter point is the reason why many fear he’ll be unable to live up to his NBA potential.

The 20-year-old Chinese phenom stands at 7’2″ with a near 7’8″ wingspan, which is comparable to the build that made Rudy Gobert so intriguing as a prospect. Qi is a far more developed offensive player than Gobert, however, and that will captivate general managers.

No one seems to know where to place Qi on draft boards, but it’s undeniable that he’s one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class.

The reality is, Qi is a very thin 218 pounds, and that will limit his from being able to play the 5 at any point in the near future. If he bulks up, he could play the 4, a la Anthony Davis, but even then, he lacks the necessary muscle mass.

Qi needs to transform his body to be ready for the NBA, and it’s impossible to predict whether he’ll be able to or not.

Next: The Prototype