Sacramento Kings: 5 options for pick No. 36 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Ty Delbridge
5. Chimezie Metu
- Height: 6’10”
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Age: 21
- Position: PF/C
Chimezie Metu played three seasons at USC and was one of the most dominant players in the Pac-12. Metu is an athletic, rim-running big who has the potential to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Bleacher Report said Metu has “first round caliber talent.”
In his third season at USC, 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. The Ringer labeled him as a “raw, moldable big man who flashes two-way upside but lacks any one refined skill aside from explosive lob dunks.”
Metu could be a backup to Cauley-Stein, Zach Randolph and Skial Labasissore. He has similar skills to Cauley-Stein, so the Kings could use Metu the same way and not have to switch the offense up that much. Metu could replace Kosta Koufos and also Giles as he continues to rehab his knees.
The Kings need all the talent they can get on their roster and should be drafting the best player available in the second round. Metu still has room to grow in his basketball skills, but his physical tools at the big man position could be enough for him to be considered inside the top 40.