The Houston Rockets made another big move on the first day of free agency. Literally. The team has reportedly signed 7-foot-2 Chinese center Zhou Qi to a multi-year contract.
“The final structure of the deal is still undergoing final touches, but Qi will join the Rockets for the 2017-18 season, league sources said,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Saturday.
Qi was a second-round pick of the Rockets back in 2016. But he decided to remain in the Chinese Basketball Association for a year before heading to the states.
Listed at 21 years old, Qi has an ability to stretch the court from the center position.
The signing of Qi comes 15 years after Houston selected fellow Chinese legend Yao Ming with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. He’s seen as a developmental prospect and likely won’t play a huge role as a rookie this upcoming season.