Could Zhou Qi be the backup piece the LA Clippers are missing?

The LA Clippers are on the edge of becoming elite at each position. One position that the Clippers need help at is center. Outside of Ivica Zubac, who’s one of the most important guys on the roster, the Clippers do not have an established center to fill their needs. As the team aims to win it all, they will need a competent center who is willing to battle in the paint.

It has been rumored that Zhou Qi, an overseas basketball star, could make a return to the NBA with the LA Clippers. Qi began playing professional basketball at the age of 18. In 2016, Qi was drafted in the second round by the Houston Rockets. After playing a total of 19 games in two seasons, Qi made a return to the Chinese Basketball Association. Within his two seasons for the Houston Rockets, Qi played quite a bit in the G League.

With everything on the line next season, the LA Clippers must be stacked at every position. Although Moussa Diabate was recently drafted in the second round, not much will be asked of him as the Clippers are aiming to develop their young talent the best they can. Adding Zhou Qi would be a great addition for several reasons. Qi would also receive the opportunity to learn from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, as well as an experienced center like Zubac.

Let’s dive in and see why adding Zhou Qi would significantly help the LA Clippers.

Zhou Qi makes the LA Clippers indestructible

Adding Zhou Qi flips the switch for the LA Clippers. The main reason Qi would be extremely useful is because of his veteran experience playing professional basketball. Since the age of 18, Qi has played for the NBA, CBA, NBL, and G League. These are the four highest levels of basketball in the entire world. Experience may be the most important factor in building a title-contending roster, and Qi brings just that.

Additionally, Zhou Qi is an extremely talented basketball player. In Qi’s most recent season with the South East Melbourne Phoenix of the NBL, he averaged 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in only 21.1 minutes per. During his stint in the G League, Qi averaged similar numbers in 31 games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0dFfexMTVo

Zhou Qi also brings a solid offensive game and elite rim protection. Head coach Tyronn Lue loves to utilize his bigs to the best of their abilities. As the LA Clippers recently added John Wall, they will need bigs who can run the pick and roll at a very efficient rate. Furthermore, Qi backs up Zubac extremely well, as they both have similar play styles.

Although Zhou Qi is only 26 years old, he would play a very important role in the development of Moussa Diabate. Qi also has the potential to become a reliable center in the NBA. If the LA Clippers begin the season with two high-quality centers along with a young developing center, they could be extremely dangerous.

Moreover, Qi would be given many opportunities to prove himself during training camp and throughout the preseason. Adding Zhou Qi to the current roster would make the Clippers unfair to play against.