Draft And Stash – Optimizing 2016 NBA Draft Picks 24 and 26

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; General view during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; General view during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Zhou Qi

He’s 19 years old, stands 7’2″ and has an incredible 7′ 7.75″ wingspan which is one of the largest wingspans ever recorded at an NBA combine.  And at 19, he’s still growing.  Playing at the position of center, Zhou has the interest of franchises selecting in the mid- to late first round because of his mobility, soft shooting touch and rim-protection ability.

He is projected at the mid 20’s by most mocks, the perfect place to be selected by the Philadelphia 76ers.  He led the Chinese Basketball Association in blocks per game and in minutes per game this year, with 3.2 blocks in 34 minutes per game. He also added 15.8 points and 9.8 rebounds, shooting 60 percent from the field and 76 percent from the free-throw line. His ability to stretch defenses beyond the three-point line, while providing a shot-blocking presence in the paint, is coveted in today’s NBA.

He was in the US working out for a variety of teams.  When he returned to China in late May, he was planning to learn English and bulk up his 218 pound frame.  With more muscle mass, the young man will need additional time to learn how to use that power.

Next: Cheick