Houston Rockets officially decided to give Chinese center/forward Zhou Qi a shot.
According to Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, they signed the Chinese star a multi-year deal on Thursday.
Zhou, the 43rd overall pick by Houston in the 2016 NBA Draft, was the second Chinese player picked by the Rockets after Yao Ming, who joined the team 15 years ago. He will be the first Chinese player to compete in the NBA after the 2011-2012 season, when Yi Jianlian played for Dallas Mavericks.
"I feel exceptionally honored to follow the Chinese basketball legend in the NBA – Yao Ming's footsteps to join the team he used to play for," Zhou wrote on Chinese social media, thanking the Rockets for making his "dream since childhood" come true.
He also thanked his parents and previous team Xinjiang Flying Tigers, which he helped win the Chinese league title this year.
"I look forward to representing my country and family to compete in the NBA as a member of the Rockets," he wrote.
Houston Rockets announce the signing of player Zhou Qi. /NBA.com screenshot
Yao Ming (L) of Houston Rockets and Shaquille O'Neal of Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Playoffs. /VCG Photo
"We feel Zhou Qi has the potential to become the best Chinese player since Yao Ming," Rockets General Manager Morey said. "We're excited to have him join the Rockets and will continue to develop his talents with our coaches and training staff."
Zhou, 21, is also a member of the Chinese National Team and competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
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