2018 NBA Draft: Chimezie Metu -raw skillset could project into 2-way capabilities
NBA Draft prospect Chimezie Metu needs time to develop his overall 2-way skillset.
The USC power forward has shown glimpses of special but as teams review the NBA Draft prospects Chimezie Metu may leave more questions than answers on the table.
First of all, there are signs Metu could develop a full well rounded game which makes him valuable in the modern game. However, his attitude this past season raises concerns and other than a demonstrated ability to consistently hit pick and pop shots he has been inconsistent offensively.
Based on his athleticism he has the potential to be develop into a fully contributing player, but whether he has the commitment to get there will be the main issue drafting teams need to figure out.
Related: Top 15 NBA Draft picks in OKC Thunder franchise history
Player specifics:
- Height: 6’10”
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Wingspan: 7′.05″
- Position: Power Forward/Center
- Age: 21.3
- College: USC. Junior
- Home town: Lawndale. California
Statline:
| Season | G | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 34 | 2 | 18.5 | 2.6 | 5.0 | .518 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 1.2 | 2.4 | .513 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 3.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 6.4 |
| 2016-17 | 36 | 36 | 31.3 | 5.6 | 10.2 | .552 | 0.0 | 0.1 | .500 | 3.6 | 4.8 | .741 | 2.0 | 5.8 | 7.8 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 14.8 |
| 2017-18 | 34 | 33 | 31.0 | 6.0 | 11.5 | .523 | 0.4 | 1.2 | .300 | 3.3 | 4.5 | .730 | 1.9 | 5.6 | 7.4 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 15.7 |
| Career | 104 | 71 | 27.0 | 4.8 | 8.9 | .533 | 0.1 | 0.4 | .302 | 2.7 | 3.9 | .692 | 1.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 12.3 |
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/19/2018.
Skills:
In terms of positives his athleticism projects for him to develop into a decent defender. Plus his ability to possess a multi-layered offensive skillset is intriguing. He’s got good hands which he utilizes well in the paint in pick and roll as well as in catch dunk/lob situations.
His overall offense is definitely where he adds value. Although not a perimeter threat yet he can mix shots from the field with drives and paint work. Developing each of these areas to their maximum will add to his value.
As mentioned, he has good hands and so far has shown he could develop into a decent play maker in the right system.
Weaknesses:
Two main areas stand out with regard to Metu’s areas of concern. First of all, the typical size issues apply. In Metu’s case this is two-fold as he’s already shown a propensity to force his game when bodied in the paint. He easily gets pushed off the block, so he needs to add muscle as a priority.
This leads into the second area of his game in question which is his basketball I.Q. It’s not that Metu doesn’t have the ability to expand in this area, it’s more so that he rushes in situations when pressured. This leads to him failing to recognize the best play on the floor. Once he reaches the pro level the speed will make only serve to increase these problems.
Factor in his inability to respond quickly to defensive movement and it’s clear he’ll need time with the coaches in the film room and possibly in the G-League to increase his ability to process defensive situations quicker.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Awards and honors:
- 2017-18 Wooden Award – Preseason
- Pac-12 Most Improved Player (2017)
- First-team All-Pac-12 (2018)
- Second-team All-Pac-12 (2017)
As per Wikipedia.com
Pro comparison:
Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer opines Chimezie Metu projects to have a similar game to a raw Paul Millsap, Maxi Kleber or Georges Niang. DraftNet suggests Elden Campbell as their similarity.
One would hope the raw Millsap is the correct doppelganger for Metu who does seem to possess quite a few similar traits. The key will be for Metu to land in the right system to allow for his growth of these assets.
Current ranking:
ESPN/DraftExpress: 45th
The Ringer: 50th
Draft Net: 49th
CBS Sports: 52nd
Sports Illustrated: 47th
Basketball Insider: 40th
Sporting News: 40th
Fit with OKC Thunder:
Similar to Alize Johnson in terms of possessing multiple assets he can deliver, the difference is Metu has demonstrated the ability to do certain things quite well. Hence his higher ranking on big boards. Still, the focus and seeming lack of motor at times is concerning.
Like Sports Illustrated notes when Metu has a big game he leaves analysts in awe of his raw ability and potential. However, his lack of consistency and focus erase that excitement quotient.
Next: Kevin Hervey arrives with injury prone reputation
An incident earlier this season led to his suspension and there are concerns he could be difficult. Sam Presti is noted for looking for character so this factor alone probably removes him from the conversation.