Denver Nuggets: 5 options for pick No. 43 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Ty Delbridge
3. Chimezie Metu
- Height: 6’9”
- Weight: 219 lbs
- Age: 21
- Position: C/PF
Chimezie Metu is declaring for the NBA after playing three seasons at USC. Metu is a big man that can play both center and power forward, with a 7’0.5” wingspan. The Ringer labeled Metu as a “raw, moldable big man who flashes two-way upside but lacks any one refined skill aside from explosive lob dunks.”
Last season, Metu averaged 15.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.6 assists in 31 minutes per game while shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 30 percent from the 3-point line. He is still raw, but the talent and physical tools are all there for Metu.
The Nuggets could use him as a reliable backup in a few seasons. Right now, they have Millsap, Jokic, Plumlee and Kenneth Faried. They don’t need Metu to come in and play significant minutes right away. He can take this time and develop his game on the bench. The Nuggets then get a guy on a rookie deal that does not cost the team much money.
The Ringer compared Metu to a “raw” Paul Millsap, Maxi Kleber and Georges Niang. Metu is going to be a project, but he has the potential to develop into a solid contributor in the NBA. In the second round, the Nuggets could be getting excellent value from an athletic center.