San Antonio Spurs: 5 options for pick No. 49 in 2018 NBA Draft

3. Chimezie Metu, C — USC

At 220 pounds and with a standing reach of 9′ 0″ (no, that’s not a typo) Chimezie Metu is probably the best option at this stage in the draft if the Spurs want to go after a big man. He is projected to go a little earlier than 49th, but if he is available when the time comes, he’s certainly worth a look.

The USC product’s main selling point is his athleticism and shot-blocking ability, but what you may not know is that he is also a good mid-range and free throw shooter. In today’s rapidly evolving NBA, it is becoming more and more necessary for big men to be able to shoot, and Metu certainly checks that box. The Spurs are lacking in big man talent and this 21-year-old may be just what they need to help protect the paint.

Pau Gasol didn’t really pan out the way the Spurs expected, and LaMarcus Aldridge plays good center minutes for them, but is not a lockdown paint defender. They need some more size and shot-blocking down low, and Metu can provide that. However, he will need to cut down on plays like this:

And we thought Draymond Green was bad! Interestingly enough, that stunt earned him only a half-game suspension, but the NBA is less forgiving.