Although his time in the NBA was unsuccessful, Zhou is certainly grateful for the chance to have played in the world's best basketball league and now hopes he can kick on in the future.

The Rockets waived center Zhou Qi on Monday, ending a three-season experiment on the first day he was cleared to come back from his sprained ankle. A 7 foot 1 center and the 43rd pick of the 2016 draft, Zhou showed initial promise, but was unable to become a more reliable range shooter or develop as a rim-runner in their offense. Battling injuries this season since training camp, he has played in just one game.

ZHOU QI EX-HOUSTON CENTER "I understand the current situation with Houston, and the expectation of me. I'm so grateful to the Rockets for my training and I have improved both mentally and physically during the past two years."

Zhou later said on Weibo: "I would never change my dream and I'm still on the way." The 22-year-old spent three seasons in China with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, helping them capture the CBA crown in 2017. He has also represented his country and was a member of the 2016 Olympic team, and part of the China squad which won gold at the Asian Games in Jakarta.

ZHOU QI EX-HOUSTON CENTER "I have almost recovered from my injury. I'm talking to my agent to find the teams in NBA who are interested in me and we will look for a better future."

Zhou will now hope for another opportunity at NBA level as he looks to continue to see opportunities away from his home nation.