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The new Yao Ming?: Chinese ace Zhou Qi follows in legend’s giant footsteps as he is picked by Houston Rockets in NBA draft

The Rockets added the Chinese centre in the second round of the NBA draft

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China’s Zhou Qi, from China, speaks with reporters at the NBA draft combine in Chicago. Photo: AP
SCMP Reporter

The Houston Rockets added Chinese centre Zhou Qi in the second round of the NBA draft on Thursday night.

The 7-foot-2 Zhou was selected 43rd on a night where Houston didn’t have a first-round pick because of a past trade, and is among the largest players to ever play the game competitively.

His measurements at the NBA Draft Combine were the second best on record.
Zhou’s tall, slim physique is thought to be of some concern to his new NBA team, and he may need another year to develop in China. Photo: AP
Zhou’s tall, slim physique is thought to be of some concern to his new NBA team, and he may need another year to develop in China. Photo: AP
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The Rockets will need some depth at centre with Dwight Howard likely to opt out of the last year of his contract and become a free agent this summer. But draft analyses of Zhou suggest it would be unlikely for him to be ready to contribute in a meaningful way in his rookie season.

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The 20-year-old Zhou, who played in the CBA last season, averaged 16 points per game, on 60 per cent shooting overall, including 60 per cent from beyond the arc. His free throw shooting percentage was an impressive 78 per cent.

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