Rockets assign China's Zhou Qi to G League affiliate

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Chinese basketball sensation Zhou Qi has played sparingly for the Rockets since the new NBA season kick started, but it appears that won't be the case for the foreseeable future.

After coming within minutes of dethroning the almighty Warriors to make the Finals last season, the Houston Rockets got off to an incredible slow start this term at 1-5, the second worst record in the Western Conference. Though it's too early to panic, the Rockets have hell of a lot to revamp to iron their issues out.

That overhaul began on Thursday when they sent the 7-foot-2 Zhou down to the G-League to play with the Rio Grande Valley.

Rockets suffer their fifth loss of the season on Tuesday and struggle to find answers to their horrible start. /VCG Photo

The 22-year-old, who had been ruled out by a left knee sprain in pre-season, made his season debut during Tuesday's 104-85 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, notching two points in less than a minute of play.

Stick it out and fight for a place in the NBA or head out to the G-League for guaranteed playing time? It looks like Zhou and the Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni chose the latter option for now.

Zhou impressed during a spell with the Vipers last season, averaging 11 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He continued his fine run of form in the Asian Games the following August, proving instrumental in guiding China to the men's basketball title.

Zhou Qi marks his 2018-19 NBA debut with two points against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 30. /VCG Photo

However, his career has stalled again after he picked up an injury in Houston against the Shanghai Sharks despite his early sparkling performance in the NBA Summer League.

Fortunately, Zhou is back in contention and his recovery will be a huge boost for the Vipers, who are hoping to make a flying start in Saturday's season opener against the Memphis Hustle.