The Houston Rockets lost a former All-Star in Dwight Howard this off-season. However, they might have another big man who is a budding prospect as rookie Zhou Qi may see action in the 2016-17 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. 

Zhou was selected 43rd overall by the Rockets in this year's draft. At a young age of 20, many are thinking that he will continue playing for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for him to develop.

But citing a report from China, The Inquisitr reported that the Rockets headed to Zhou's motherland to "discuss" his potential NBA debut in the new season. 

As of the moment, it is unlikely for the Rockets to take the risk and sign Zhou to a contract. But if they will badly need a center during the season, then the young Chinese star might get his first taste of NBA action. 

Currently, Houston and the team's new head coach Mike D'Antoni has enough centers even without Zhou. Manning the no. 5 position for them are Clint Capela, Nenê and Donatas Motiejūnas. 

Capela is only 22 but he is showing great promise for the Rockets. Last season, he juggled the starting and reserve role, sharing minutes with Howard.

Nenê, on the other hand, is already a proven center in the NBA. The 33-year-old owns a rich experience and can still provide decent numbers, although in his last season with the Washington Wizards, his production declined as he was outshined by Marcin Gortat. But he remains an efficient veteran and that is why he was signed by the Rockets. 

Meanwhile, Motiejūnas' future remains hazy as he remains available on the market with Houston not signing him to a new deal yet. 

There is a possibility Zhou joins this group during the season, but for now, fans must wait before they can see him step on an NBA court.