Chimezie Metu does not shy away from the big stage. He has proven that during his five-year career in the NBA and, of course, in his time with the Nigerian national team. Started his career as a USC standout in college, the Nigerian star has been attracted to the bright lights since day one.
Last December, he had the chance to play his first Christmas game in his NBA career, and he did not disappoint. 23 points, 19 rebounds, and a big round of praise from the Suns’ teammates in a 14-point loss against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Chimezie Metu hoped that this kind of performance would keep him on the team, as he averaged 8.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 17 minutes during that month.
However, the Suns had different plans, searching for some extra shooting and defense around the superstar trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. However, Metu continued to pursue a chance to showcase his elite skills and joined the rebuilding Detroit Pistons for the last 21 games of the season. He averaged 10.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per contest.
His games in Detroit were not enough to secure him a serious opportunity in the NBA, and as a result, he decided to move overseas in order to prove himself in a bigger role. Chimezie Metu is arriving in FC Barcelona with high expectations, joining a front line of a handful of big-time EuroLeague veteran players like Jan Vesely, Willy Hernangomez, and Youssoupha Fall.
Despite the fact that he was treated as a center in the NBA, Metu could definitely play alongside those three players. The Nigerian superstar never shot more than 35% during his NBA career, while he only made 29.8% of his shots from deep last season, but he’s an elite finisher in the paint.
Metu is built to be a physical presence with a nice touch around the basket. He was never a great three-point shooter, despite the fact that many highlights around the internet showed him confidently shooting the ball from beyond the arc. That said, Metu’s skill set should be valued as a high-motor finisher inside.
Going into one-on-one battles inside is rightfully labeled intriguing, as he strives to be a forward/center that creates chances for himself from the high and low post. During the past season, he spent time playing alongside other big men like Drew Eubanks, Jusuf Nurkic, and James Wiseman. The competency he showed to be reliable alongside them will be a very useful skill in the EuroLeague.
During his time with Nigeria NT, he started his national team career with appearances in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2020 Olympics. Since then, he’s been consistently part of the squad and during the past two seasons, he played in 5 games of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers. His experience in FIBA Basketball could help him settle in the EuroLeague level quicker.
Chimezie Metu could model his game after a current EuroLeague superstar
FC Barcelona should not treat Chimezie Metu as pick&roll or rim-running big. His skill and his high motor help him to be more effective as a one-on-one finisher or rim cutter, while his ability to attack closeouts will create easy scoring opportunities for his team. Having said that, Metu will need to show better handles in the restricted space he’ll have in Europe.
The 26-year-old showed his play-making chops during his 21-game stint in Detroit, averaging 9.3 AST% and getting closer to his career-high of 14.9% he had with the Spurs during his sophomore NBA season. Metu has the tools to become an adequate playmaker in the EuroLeague if he puts the works in.
However, his offensive touch is his top-notch quality, while his size and length as a power forward could help him establish a strong presence on both ends of the floor. Let’s not forget that Chimezie Metu is ranked 7th all-time in blocked shots in USC history. However, his defensive impact will be based on his effort level and the role that he will be called to play for FC Barcelona.
If I can recall a similar talent that arrived in Europe, then I would model Metu’s game after Nigel Hayes-Davies. Hayes-Davies arrived in the EuroLeague with fewer offensive tools at his disposal, but Metu has the ability, motor, and flexibility to play as an oversized version of Fenerbahce’s superstar.
How does Chimezie Metu fit with the rest of the FC Barcelona personnel?
Regarding his compatibility with the rest of the FC Barcelona roster, I would love to see him play alongside capable point guards like Tomas Satoransky and Nicolas Laprovittola. His partnership with Jabari Parker will also be intriguing as a tandem of hyper-explosive and offensive-minded players in the FC Barcelona lineup.
Jabari Parker’s presence as a fellow NBA player who fell from grace could aid Metu in his first few months in Europe. Chimezie Metu possesses all the attributes necessary to reclaim his NBA spot, but his ability to identify his role and place in a competitive setting such as FC Barcelona will be critical.
After completing his debut season in the EuroLeague, Parker might contribute in that direction.In any case, Chimezie Metu has all the tools to be successful in the EuroLeague level and should be considered one of the must-watch newcomers in the EuroLeague this season.
