Zhou Qi, who ranked 43rd in 2016, and Harten, who ranked 43rd in 2017, will be no difference without comparison.

On the morning of May 27, in the NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals G4 game, the Thunder defeated their opponents and took a 3:1 lead. After the game, Harten of the Thunder accepted an interview with Chinese reporters and connected with his old teammate Zhou Qi (the commentator of this game).

So, Zhou Qi and Harten are both the No. 43 rookies in the NBA. Zhou Qi is the 2016 rookie and Harten is the 2017 rookie. What are the differences in development now? Let's compare horizontally.

The No. 43 pick in 2017, Harten, 27, is the NBA's second round pick in 2017, with the 43rd pick. It is very difficult to start in the NBA for a low pick. He was transferred to the Development League by the Rockets in his rookie season and was a teammate with Zhou Qi for a while.

He played 28 games with the Rockets in 2018-19, with only 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds; but he has been tenaciously staying in the NBA over the years, and since then he has gone to the Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Clippers, all of which are average. In the Clippers, Harten seized the opportunity. In the 2022-23 season, Harten played 68 games with the Clippers, and averaged 8.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. It can be said that this season laid the foundation for Harten's position in the NBA.

He has since gone to the Knicks to play for 2 seasons and has become a regular rotation player for the team. This season, the Thunder has become a super inside player who averages double-double per game and is an indispensable member of the Thunder's championship.

It can be said that Harten’s experience is 100% inspirational! Zhou Qi, the No. 43 pick in the 2016 class, is also the No. 43 pick, and Zhou Qi's development in the NBA is not satisfactory. After the Rockets finished their rookie season, Zhou Qi did not continue to win the NBA and returned to the CBA. In the 2016 Rockets' playoffs, Zhou Qi scored 2 points, becoming the fourth player in the history of the Chinese men's basketball team to score points in the NBA playoffs.

Comprehensive comparison

Hatten's experience still gives Zhou Qi some inspiration, first, persistence, tough persistence. It can be seen that Harten relies on tenacious defense in the NBA and finds the possibility of staying from dirty and tiring work! Second, the aggressiveness of playing basketball is strong. If you finally get the ball, you must play resolutely and not hesitate at all. Opportunities are really only reserved for those who are prepared!