Brooklyn Nets: 5 options for pick No. 45 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Alec Liebsch
5. Chimezie Metu, PF/C — USC
- Height: 6’9.5″
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Age: 21 (Junior)
For a team looking to add a backup combo big, Metu could be the answer. He even has some capabilities to play next to a tower like Jarrett Allen, should it be necessary, which is valuable for condensing rotations.
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What gives him the potential to play the 4 is his supreme athleticism. He has a quick first step and a face-up game to boot, which is a necessity next to a center. Additionally he has respectable 3-point range, which is a promising sign for him to be a potential stretch-big. His physical profile gives him a lot of potential to be a versatile defender.
If shots aren’t falling, he can be a playmaking big as well. His 1.6 assists per game don’t scream point-big capabilities, but part of that is how risky his passes tend to be. With some refinery in his decision-making, he can easily be a poor man’s Paul Millsap.
If playing at the 4 doesn’t work well, he can be a fine defensive anchor too. He alters shots at the rim well, even when he doesn’t make contact with the ball. His footwork leaves a lot to be desired, but that is also a fixable weakness with proper coaching.
Metu has a few kinks to work out, but the frame for a versatile do-it-all player is there. Any team can use a malleable frontcourt player like him, and with the Nets’ exceptional developmental staff, Metu could be groomed into quite the player.