Zhou Qi’s Role This Season With the Houston Rockets

After an up and down Summer League, what is in store this season for the Chinese big man?

Zhou Qi sparked some conversation after a sensational first game of the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League. He finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds in just 25 minutes. However, his numbers really fell off after that game. Zhou ended up averaging just 6.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting a horrendous 30.3% from the floor.

However, his numbers really fell off after that game. Zhou ended up averaging just 6.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting a horrendous 30.3% from the floor. He did show some promise, though, by averaging 2 blocks per game. That part of his game is developed nicely and will be of use to the Rockets.

So what is the plan for Zhou? Will the Rockets use him this year? Next year? Let’s look at some possibilities for Zhou’s season.

But first, check out this video by Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype:

Who is Zhou Qi? My colleague @TikotDeRoa breaks down the Houston Rockets' new center: pic.twitter.com/l7WxgfitVp

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) August 2, 2017

Potential for This Season

Zhou Qi’s season will likely mostly be spent with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G-League. Barring an incredible training camp/preseason, that is where he will start the year. With the Vipers, Zhou can hone his skills and become a better shooter. As you saw in the video above, he was pretty terrible from deep for a guy who the Rockets envision being a stretch-4.

It is also possible that Zhou stands out in RGV and looks too good to stay there. He could have the Chinanu Onuaku/Kyle Wiltjer role of last season and move up and down frequently. Should he get minutes, they will likely be garbage time ones. It would still be an exciting garbage time, though, with Bobby Brown, Troy Williams and Zhou Qi.

Zhou is an exciting talent for the Rockets. While his impact likely will not be felt on the court this season, he still brings an excitement to the organization and should be a great player for the team at some point in the near future.

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