Zhou Qi makes early impression with Rockets

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Zhou Qi remains a rookie with a long learning curve. But Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said he did turn heads in the first practice of training camp on Tuesday.

The Rockets do not expect Zhou to compete for a place in the rotation this season, but D'Antoni did like what he said from Zhou's first workout with the veterans.

"He has a chance. He has a real solid chance," D'Antoni said. "He's 7-2. He can shoot 3s, run the floor, knows how to play. There's no reason other than strength and bulk and things that come naturally. I'm looking forward to having him up here all year and working with him. We'll play him when we can. We're not going to rush him. It probably won't be this year when he makes a mark. But everybody keep going, 'Wow, he can be pretty good.'

"What's surprising is he's 7-2 and can shoot like he can, pass and do all that running. He's very coordinated. I'm sure I'll learn more about him as I go forward."